Brian Jeffrey
Alcoholic beverages are responsible for a minimum of 30 diseases and injuries, along with contributing to over 200 other health issues.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, alcohol is classified as a Group I carcinogen, indicating a significant risk for cancer. Consumption is closely associated with cancers affecting the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, colon, liver, and breast in women.
Moreover, alcohol may elevate the risk of cardiovascular illnesses such as strokes, heart failure, hypertension, and aortic aneurysms, as well as issues in the digestive system and mental health.
High levels of alcohol intake are a primary factor in traffic accidents and both accidental and intentional injuries.
Furthermore, alcohol abuse contributes to various social challenges, including damaging family dynamics, impairing job performance, leading to job loss, increasing instances of violence, risky sexual behaviors, and legal complications.
Data from the Department of Preventive Medicine in Vietnam indicates a steady rise in alcohol consumption among people over 15. In 2005, the average was 2.9 liters per person yearly, which surged to 7.9 liters by 2018 and 2019.
Alcohol ranks as the second largest risk factor in the top 10 causes of disability and mortality in Vietnam. It is linked to 30% of public disorder incidents and accounts for 33.7% of family violence cases, worsening issues of gender and economic inequality and hindering efforts to alleviate poverty.
The 2021 survey on non-communicable disease risk factors revealed that alcohol use is particularly prevalent among men, with 64% of males and only 10% of females reporting consumption within the past month.
Additionally, there has been a decline in the age at which individuals start drinking, posing risks to public health and leading to broader social issues, including violence and traffic incidents.
To combat these problems, various organizations have initiated programs aimed at increasing public awareness about the dangers of alcohol and the importance of reducing consumption.
On June 14, 2019, the National Assembly approved the Law on Prevention and Control of Alcohol Harm. Following that, on October 11, 2024, the government greenlit the Communication Project aimed at curtailing alcohol-related harm until 2030, with key objectives including:
– Ensuring 95% of adults are knowledgeable about the dangers of alcohol and prevention strategies.
– Guaranteeing that 100% of vehicle operators are educated on laws regarding drinking and driving.
– Making sure 100% of educational institutions engage in awareness campaigns about preventing alcohol harm among students.
– Ensuring 95% of alcohol-selling businesses and 90% of traditional alcohol producers receive guidance on regulations aimed at mitigating alcohol-related harm and compliance with pertinent legal requirements.
