Benefits
AHR can help to reduce the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers and liver diseases.
It reduces alcohol-related injuries, including both injuries to those consuming alcohol, as well as those around them.
Such injuries include road traffic injuries, falls, assaults, drownings and burns.
Reduce Transmissions.
AHR can help to reduce transmission of infectious diseases, including HIV and TB, as alcohol consumption increases transmission risks by suppressing immune responses.
AHR policies in practice
Recent research has examined the implementation of harm reduction programmes among vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness. Managed alcohol programmes were found to contribute to a reduction in alcohol consumption, (Drug and Alcohol Review, University of Victoria).
In the UK, Local Alcohol Profiles for England provide information on harm reduction measures in place and their impact in each region, with the aim of supporting local improvements to harm reduction provisions, (Public Health England).
In South Africa, alcohol harm reduction measures have been recommended in the Western Cape. These include restrictions on alcohol advertising, limited alcohol trading hours, increased prices through taxes or minimum unit pricing, a reduction on alcohol content in drinks, and the provision of funding for a communications campaign around the harms associated with alcohol consumption, (Western Cape Government).
SAFER Interventions
In 2018, the World Health Organisation and United Nations, in collaboration with international partners, launched the SAFER initiative. It is a package of proven, cost-effective interventions to reduce the harms caused by alcohol:
S :
Strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability.
A :
Advance and enforce drink driving counter measures.
F :
Facilitate access to screening, brief interventions and treatment.
E :
Enforce bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.
R :
Raise prices on alcohol through excise taxes and pricing policies.
