As part of efforts to reduce alcohol- related harms across the country, Liberia, on Monday, 16th December 2024, joined other countries across Africa to lunch the Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance as a move to prevent danger caused by alcohol across the country; especially with the youthful generation. The launch was marked by a one- day dialogue of the Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance in partnerships with the Ministry of Health, held under the theme: “Strengthening Collaboration for Alcohol Control: Advancing Knowledge and Action on Alcohol Policy Implementation in Liberia. It brought together Liberians from deferent sectors including Health Ministry, Civil Society, the communities, among others, hosted at the Ministry of Health in Cong Town, outside Monrovia. Delivering the keynote address at the launch was Africa Central for Disease Control (CDC) National Coordinator, Dr. Bakary Sonko, who said as head of the Africa CDC Country Coordinator for Liberia, he was glad to be a part of an organization to raise awareness about alcohol control, stating that the issue seeks to strengthen the collective efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm in Liberia and the world at large. He added that the theme, “Strengthening Collaboration for Alcohol Control: Advancing Knowledge and Action on Alcohol Policy Implementation in Liberia,” could not be timely alcohol consumption as a social norm, carries profound risks to the health and safety of individuals, families, and communities across the country. Dr. Sonko also disclosed that as a country, Liberia faces some challenges and opportunities to address these risks, but cannot do it alone, stating that it needs collaboration and partnership of all which accordingly is key to success. “Let me begin by highlighting the current state of alcohol consumption in Liberia- alcohol is widely consumed in our communities, and it spans all demographics, from youth to adults. Whether in urban or rural setting, alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in social events, celebrations, and even daily routines,’ he stressed. However, the CDC National Coordinator told the gathering that the widespread consumption of alcohol has a significant downside, maintaining that excessive drinking also links to a range of harmful consequences, including liver disease, road traffic accidents, violence, and increased vulnerability to other infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. He also said for young people, early initiation into alcohol use can somehow have lifelong repercussions on their health and development, stating that the impact is also evident in terms of lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the strain it places on families and communities as it is also clear that the burden of alcohol-related harm in Liberia is real and requires urgent attention. However, Dr. Sonko further revealed that the global and regional context problems of alcohol-related harm are not unique only to Liberia, but across the globe, ‘harmful alcohol use remains a leading contributor to preventable deaths and disability,’ he indicated. “The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful use of Alcohol calls on countries to implement evidence-based strategies that can significantly reduce alcohol-related harm, stating that the regional level, the Africa CDC, alongside other partners, is working to promote policies and initiatives to address this public health issue in Africa, as well as in Liberia, we face unique challenges—cultural norms around alcohol, availability, and the marketing practices of alcohol industries ,” he disclosed. Moreover, the CDC National Coordinator revealed that as head of CDC in Africa, his organization will also collaborate with regional and global partners to draw upon lessons learned and best practices that can guide their efforts, Strengthening Collaboration in Liberia while the problem of alcohol misuse in Liberia is serious, it is not insurmountable stating that what is clear, is that there is a need for collective efforts, to work together as a unified front saying that no single institution, government agency, or organization can tackle this issue alone but the collective strength which lies in the partnerships build through partnerships across sectors and communities. He, meanwhile, called on the government through these ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Liberia National Police, and local government bodies, to collaborate and enforce alcohol regulations effectively, adding that these stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping public policy, implementing laws, and ensuring that alcohol sales and consumption are monitored and regulated in line with international standards, amongst others. Also speaking was the National Coordinator, Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance, Roseline Thomas Richards, who said it is her distinct pleasure, as head of the National Coordinator for the Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance, to open this vital conference under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Alcohol Control: Advancing Knowledge and Action on Alcohol Policy Implementation in Liberia”, as to gather a shared commitment to tackle one of the pressing public health challenges of present time stressing the alcohol misuse and its profound impacts on our society. She added that theme underscores the importance of working together, harnessing the collective knowledge, and taking decisive action to implement effective alcohol control policies in Liberia. “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed supporters who have made this conference possible. Special thanks to FORUT through the West Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA) for their invaluable support and partnership stressing that their dedication to promoting alcohol control and public health in our region is truly commendable, alcohol misuse does not only affect the health of individuals but also has far-reaching implications for families, communities, and our nation’s socio-economic stability.” Madam Richards intone. According to her, it is also a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach and the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, civil society, and the community at large.
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