March 12th from SAFER Move.
According to “A technical report on the harmful use of alcohol related to cross-border alcohol marketing, advertising and promotional activities, including those targeting youth and adolescents” developed by the World Health Organization, alcohol is “a commodity of concern to public health.”
Alcohol marketing methods are expected to boost alcohol expenditure, and the purpose is served. Studies indicate that alcohol product marketing correlates with alcohol consumption among its targets, heavy drinkers. Albeit alcohol is classified as one of the most harmful psychoactive substances for global health, regulations on marketing it are much weaker than those for other psychoactive products.
In 66% of countries, there is no specific regulation of digital alcohol marketing by governments, although some population groups, such as children and adolescents need to be protected against the contents of alcohol marketing or promotion.
In ASEAN populations in the region have faced health risks and social issues rooted from alcohol consumption for years: HIV/AIDS, crime, financial problems and unemployment. These alcohol-related problems hinder achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) has relatively lower drinker prevalence (13.5%) than other regions, but has a high percentage of heavy episodic drinking or binge drinking. An increasing consumption among youth and female population, which conventionally have low drinking prevalence is recently concerned.
For instance, Cambodia does not have restrictions regarding alcohol advertising, which implies that young people are easily and frequently exposed to these advertising on TV, at sport events, and on social media. In fact, the country has a very high rate of heavy episodic drink.
Similarly, Vietnam, has a concerning level of heavy episodic drinking in the population; however, they recently passed laws and rules against alcohol advertising.
To read the full article, click on the following link: https://www.safermove.org/2022/03/12/reducing-the-harm-from-alcohol-by-regulating-cross-border-alcohol-marketing-advertising-and-promotion/