Action needed against alcohol

EFFECTIVE strategies are needed to reduce alcohol-related harm that has contributed to the health and social issues in PNG, a senior health official says. 
The health department’s social change and mental health division is drafting the first national policy aimed at addressing alcohol abuse and health related problems.
Principal adviser Dr Uma Ambi told the The National yesterday that the strategies within the policy would look at addressing the acute and chronic use of alcohol and problems associated with it.
She said the goal of the policy was not only to reduce health problems but also reduce all burdens associated with the harmful use of alcohol.
“At the end of the day, anything that is related to alcohol, the end result will lead back to the health of the person.”
“It is important for us to look at all issues relating to the abuse of alcohol, the physical and psychological impact on the person.”
Ambi is chairing the policy task force committee, which is currently meeting in Port Moresby to finalise the draft document.
The committee was expected to present the final draft to the National Executive Council for approval at the end of next month.
The committee includes representatives from the law enforcement agencies, education department, health department, churches and non-government organisations (NGOs).
One of the strategies under governance and management was to establish a national governing body that would coordinate, promote and oversee activities associated with policy, government commitments and policy directions.