Alcohol use and related problems in sub-saharan africa

Data from the World Health Organization Global Alcohol Database (GAD) show a wide variation in per capita consumption of recorded alcohol in African countries; ranging from less than 1 litre ofpure alcohol in some (mostly Muslim) countries to more than 10 litres in a couple of others. For all countries; a pattern of increasing per capita consumption emerged in the 1960s; continuedthroughout the 70s; and peaked around 1979 at about 4.5 litres. The steady rise in consumption paralleled post-independence economic boom in many countries; just as the slight decline in percapita consumption in the past two decades might be associated with worsening economic conditions. Today; the average per capita consumption is a little under 4 litres; less than half of theEuropean average. These figures do not account for much (in many cases the larger part) of the alcohol consumed in the form of traditional beverages since these are not reflected in officialrecords. Though a lot remains to be known about drinking and alcohol-related problems in Africa; there are a few consistent finding from survey research. Abstention rates are high; especially amongwomen; but high levels of (often episodic) consumption are common among male and female drinkers. Studies in several countries have shown an association between harmful consumption ofalcohol and health and social consequences; including death from road traffic accidents; domestic violence; HIV infection; and disorders requiring demand for treatment. Consumption of commercial beverages is expected to rise in the coming years as the economic conditions continue to improve in some countries and as a result of increasing marketing and promotion activities by the industry.National responses to these problems will require better research evidence on the health and social problems attributable to alcohol consumption; and the implementation of effective policies toaddress these problems in countries across the continent

Thirsting for the African Market

The overall per capita consumption of alcohol in the African continent remains low though rates in some countries are among the highest in the world. Africa; therefore; is one of several untapped markets in the world that have attracted attention from the alcohol industry in recent times. This paper reviews the prospects for global alcohol companies in the continent; examining the value of the African market to the industry as well as a range of political; social and economic factors which are associated with the growth of the market for commercial alcoholic beverages. To highlight and illustrate the activities of the industry; two case studies are presented focusing on marketing and promotional activities of key industry players in South Africa and Nigeria. The paper concludes with a call to African governments and the alcohol industry to become more aware of the public health and social dangers posed by alcohol consumption and to respond through prevention efforts aimed at limiting the exposure of young people to alcohol advertising and promotion