The #ChooseHealthChooseYou campaign, led by the WHO Africa Region, aims to address the growing burden of harmful alcohol consumption across the continent. This initiative highlights the stark reality that alcohol, more than any other widely available consumer product, contributes to premature death and disability. The campaign emphasizes the urgent need for action to reduce alcohol-related harm, particularly in regions where patterns of high-volume alcohol consumption are linked to severe health and social consequences. Alcohol use in Africa is not only a leading cause of risky sexual behaviors—such as unprotected sex and an increased risk of sexual assault—but it also significantly contributes to the prevalence of serious conditions like liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and various forms of cancer, including the life-threatening cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Through the #ChooseHealthChooseYou campaign, WHO underscores the importance of implementing evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol. These policies, aligned with the global strategy endorsed by the World Health Assembly, focus on areas such as community action, regulation of alcohol marketing, and the reduction of alcohol availability. The campaign calls on African governments to prioritize public health by adopting these measures, aiming to save lives and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. By effectively working together, countries can significantly reduce the negative health and social consequences associated with harmful alcohol use, contributing to a healthier and more resilient society across the African continent.
Find more from the WHO African Region (Africa, August 2024)
Alcohol Awareness 