“Reducing alcohol-related harm worldwide by promoting science-based policies independent of commercial interests”

The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance is a developing network of non-government organizations and people working in public health agencies who share information on alcohol issues and advocate evidence based alcohol policies.

Resource centres affiliated to GAPA are already operating in the EU, USA, South America, India, South East Asia and Western Pacific regions. It is envisaged that the Alliance, in the not too distant future, will be able to establish centres in Africa.

History
An international consultation of experts and advocates met in 2001 in the USA to exchange views and experience and to find a way of co-ordinating efforts. At the consultation it became quite clear that there was a commonality of interest in the alleviation of alcohol problems. An urgent need to monitor the marketing strategies undertaken by the global alcohol industry as it seeks to increase sales and circumvent health promotion policies was recognised. Although impossible to match the financial resources of the international drinks companies and the "social aspect" groups which speak for them, it became clear that with a sharing of scientific knowledge and expertise we could become a united resource in helping governments around the globe to formulate strategies to counter the health and social problems created by alcohol consumption.

The meeting resolved that the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance be established.

Mission Statement
The GAPA mission is to reduce alcohol related harm worldwide by promoting science-based policies independent of commercial interests.

Objectives:

• Provide a forum for alcohol policy advocates through meetings, information sharing, publications, and electronic communications; with the purpose to disseminate information internationally on effective alcohol policies and policy advocacy;

• Bring to the attention of national governments, international governmental and non-governmental agencies and communities the social, economic, and health consequences of alcohol consumption and related harm; with the purpose to advocate for international and national governmental and non-governmental efforts to reduce alcohol related harm worldwide;

• Co-operate with national and local organizations and communities to alleviate alcohol-related problems;

• Encourage international research on the social and health impact of the actions of the multinational alcohol beverage industry;

• Monitor and promote research on the impact of international trade agreements on alcohol-related harm;

• Monitor the activities of the alcoholic beverage industry;

• Place priority on research and advocacy regarding those parts of the world where alcohol problems are increasing;

• Ensure that member groups in those areas have the technology and support capacity to participate in a global network for communication and action.