Drug Fight Malawi together with other stakeholders has arranged a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Population Services to address challenges which are hindering the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy.
Speaking to YFM online, The Executive Director for the advocacy organization, Nelson Zakeyu said the meeting is scheduled for February 28 this year.
The National Alcohol Policy aims to regulate supply and demand of alcohol in the country.
Zakeyu said they are concerned that the policy is not yet operational since its launch.
“The National Alcohol Policy was launched by the Government through the Ministry of Health on August 18, 2017,” he said.
He expressed worry that government’s laxity in implementing the policy has led to alcohol abuse among the youth in the country, a thing which is putting their lives at risk.
However, Zakeyu is optimistic that the meeting will afford them the opportunity to appreciate the challenges and map the way forward.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report of 2014, hazardous and harmful use of alcohol globally is a contributing factor to death, disease and injury.
