The World Health Organization has warned that alcohol continues its horrific harvest of European lives, annually causing the deaths of about 800,000 people on the continent, equivalent to one person out of every eleven due to alcohol consumption.
In its statement, the organization said: “Alcohol is not just a drink, but a major factor in preventable injuries and deaths. Europe leads globally in alcohol consumption, making its population the most at risk for serious health hazards.”
The statement noted that alcohol is a multi-dimensional toxic substance, not only causing seven types of cancer, but also contributing to chronic non-communicable diseases, affecting decision-making capabilities, self-control, and response time, and it promotes risk-laden behaviors.
The World Health Organization highlighted that alcohol addiction among youth represents a particular threat, leading to disability and premature death, and increasing the likelihood of risky behaviors.
The organization called on countries to adopt strict measures to limit alcohol consumption, including: increasing taxes and prices on alcoholic beverages, restricting their availability, banning or restricting advertisements, and tightening laws on driving under the influence of alcohol, alongside a range of other policies to protect public health.
European statistics show that alcohol is one of the most significant factors affecting public health, not only in terms of diseases, but also in terms of traffic accidents, violence, and serious injuries.
This warning comes at a time when the world is witnessing a continuous increase in alcohol consumption, especially among young people, increasing the need for strict policies and preventive measures.
The report indicates that Europe, despite its advances in healthcare, remains the region with the highest alcohol consumption globally, making efforts to reduce this phenomenon an urgent health priority.
