Alcohol consumption is one of the leading risk factors for ill-health globally and in the Americas. Of the approximately 107 million people globally who have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), fewer than 10% receive appropriate care due to numerous barriers, including fear of treatment, privacy concerns, stigma, time conflicts, and limited availability of treatment.
There is ample evidence showing that the harmful use of alcohol is associated with deaths and disability caused by road injuries. The Region of the Americas is of particular interest in relation with alcohol related road injuries as data support policy actions in this area but countries have been slow in implementing them.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to discuss the mental health of employees, which is often not considered. The workplace is a very important setting to promote practices that support people with mental health problems and protect the well-being of all workers.
In 2016, Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in collaboration with PAHO, developed a strategic and management framework to manage the harmful use of alcohol in the country. This framework is aligned with the National Plan for Health Promotion, Prevention, and Care for Psychoactive Substances, and draws on global guidelines and recommendations.
