WHO issues stark warning: Alcohol claims 800,000 lives annually

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning about the growing and deadly effects of alcohol consumption in Europe. According to the organization, approximately 800,000 people in the European region die each year from alcohol-related illnesses and accidents. This figure not only points to a public health crisis but also highlights profound social and economic impacts.

Based on 2019 data (the latest figures), the WHO revealed this alarming truth. According to the WHO, approximately 145,000 people in Europe died from injuries caused by alcohol consumption. According to the organization, alcohol consumption is also linked to interpersonal violence, including assault and domestic violence, and is considered a major cause of violent injury deaths across Europe.

“Alcohol is a toxic substance that not only contributes to seven types of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but also impairs decision-making and self-control, slows reaction times, reduces coordination and promotes risk-taking,” said Carina Ferreira-Borges, WHO/Europe Regional Adviser on Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health.

The leading causes of alcohol-related deaths include "heart disease, liver cirrhosis, various types of cancer (such as breast and bowel cancer), road accidents, violence, and suicide." According to the report, alcohol abuse is becoming a major cause of premature death among young people and working-age people, putting an additional burden on countries' productivity and health systems.

The World Health Organization reports that Europe is among the regions of the world with the highest per capita alcohol consumption. Alcohol has become a part of social life and culture in many countries, but its harmful effects are often overlooked. The WHO states that “no amount of alcohol is completely safe,” as it increases the risk of many serious diseases, including cancer.

Data shows that the impact is greatest in Eastern Europe, where the number of deaths due to injuries sustained in drunk driving is more than half (compared to the whole of Europe), compared to less than 20 percent in Western and Southern Europe.

The report also highlights that the effects of alcohol are not limited to the individual who drinks. Domestic violence within families, negative impacts on children, mental health problems, and social instability are also deeply linked. Furthermore, the cost of treating alcohol-related illnesses poses a significant economic challenge for governments. In 2019, approximately 26,500 deaths in Europe were caused by assault, with alcohol contributing to 40% of these deaths.

The organization urges European countries to adopt stricter alcohol control policies. Effective measures include increasing alcohol taxes, restricting advertising and sponsorship, limiting sales times and locations, and including clear health warnings on labels. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are essential to convey the message that alcohol consumption is not associated with "low risk," but rather with "health risks."

The World Health Organization believes that if governments implement policies based on scientific evidence, alcohol-related deaths and illnesses can be significantly reduced in the coming years. The report emphasizes that changing societal attitudes about alcohol and strong public health strategies are the most effective ways to address this serious crisis.