Alcohol policy training in Malawi and Botswana

Recent efforts by the alcohol industry to develop industry-friendly alcohol policies in Malawi and several other Sub-Saharan countries have spurred opposition from Malawi civil society groups. A new policy process has been initiated by Drug Fight Malawi who recruited a number of other NGOs to join an Alcohol Policy Task Force. The task force includes amongst its members: the National Youth Council, the Teachers Union and networks for human rights and HIV/AIDS organisations. Strengthened by civil servants from relevant ministries, it has set out to draft an evidence-based National Alcohol Policy as an alternative to the one promoted by alcohol producers.

The drafting process started in 2009 and was broad and inclusive. Altogether 15-16 major NGO networks and government agencies joined in the efforts. The work has been based on the local situation coupled with the international evidence base. Training in evidence based alcohol policies was part of the process.

One training program was held in cooperation with the Norwegian development organisation FORUT (Campaign for Development and Solidarity) and Blue Cross Norway. A module-based training package, which can be adapted to the local situation in each country, was used. The focus of the program is the situation of developing countries in particular.

Aaron Sangala, Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Security, addressed the participants and said that the training program had come at the right time for Malawi, as civil society organizations and the Government of Malawi have embarked on a national alcohol policy consultation process. He commended civil society for taking this initiative, but he challenged them to interact with opinion leaders at all levels in order to rally support behind an evidence-based alcohol policy in Malawi.