Government and non-governmental organisations have resolved to work together in the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy in order to deal with excessive alcohol abuse in the country.

Drug Fight Malawi in collaboration with Malawi Alcohol Policy Alliance made the resolution during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Health and Population Services in Lilongwe on February 28, 2018.

The National Alcohol Policy which was launched in 2017, aims to regulate the production, distribution, sale, advertisement and consumption of alcohol in the country.

Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Zakeyu said during the meeting stakeholders agreed on the need for playing their role in the implementation of the policy.

“There is need for concerted efforts between stakeholders and all policy makers in order for the National Alcohol Policy to be implemented,” he said.

Zakeyu said they also agreed to conduct awareness on the policy to the masses.

“We will involve media practitioners through press conferences in order for the policy to be implemented.”

Current statistics indicate that 30% of men and 4% of women between the ages of 24 and 64 are drunkers in Malawi.

The survey also found that 19% men and 2% of women are heavily drinkers.