The 9th edition of Tournée Minérale® will be launched on February 1, 2025, at 12 pm in Louvain-la-Neuve with a press conference and inaugural lunch. Organized by the Société Scientifique de Médecine Générale, this year’s campaign focuses on the role of general practitioners in addressing alcohol misuse. Highlighting the alarming “treatment gap,” where only 8% of those needing help for alcohol dependency receive it, the event will explore strategies to bridge this gap. Participants will discuss how this campaign positively impacts public health and supports medical professionals.

In 2025, Tournée Minérale® strengthens its collaboration with primary care providers, including doctors, psychologists, and pharmacists, offering practical tools and resources to help them raise awareness among patients. These materials, available for free download on the campaign’s website, aim to address the challenges posed by the treatment gap. According to Martin de Duve, director of Univers santé, alcohol misuse contributes to over 200 health conditions and significant social harms, often witnessed firsthand by general practitioners.

This campaign is more than just a sobriety challenge—it provides an opportunity for open, non-directive conversations about alcohol’s impact. Research shows that over 80% of participants experience short-term health benefits, and many reduce their alcohol consumption by an average of 20% for up to six months. Tournée Minérale® continues to prove its value as a public health initiative, helping individuals and communities alike.

The statistics underline the urgency of addressing alcohol misuse in Belgium, which costs the country an estimated 4.2 to 6 billion euros annually and causes nearly 10,000 preventable deaths each year. As the second leading cause of avoidable mortality, alcohol’s toll cannot be overlooked. Tournée Minérale® stands as a beacon of hope and action, empowering both health professionals and citizens to take meaningful steps towards healthier lifestyles.

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