Editorial

Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance

With the launch of the Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance, a global network of alcohol policy advocates continues to be built. IAPA’s launch is the result of a two - year feasibility study, and the gathering together of an expert group from the Indian medical, social, public health, research and nongovernmental organizations, with core financial help from FORUT a Norwegian development agency.

---

World Health Organization

In the last edition of the Globe we reported the placing by the WHO Executive Board of a resolution on the public health problems caused by alcohol on the World Health Assembly agenda for the first time since 1983.

The American delegation over the years has supported the demands of the alcohol industry to have its voice heard in Geneva. It came therefore as no surprise that the industry lobby was very active. Thailand made a determined effort to strengthen the resolution by including a critical review of the marketing strategies of the industry. Despite the fact that the move was not successful (the resolution could have been lost) the concerns expressed by the Thais should not go unnoticed by WHO officials. It may be that the resolution appearing too atlantist and eurocentric caused the Iranians to insist on placing a caveat which defended those member states which do not endorse the use of alcohol.

Whilst we are supportive of the views of the Thai representatives, we congratulate WHO on the successful passing of a resolution which is both timely and welcome. We commend it to all advocates urging them to encourage its implementation (see pages 22-23).

Derek Rutherford