Policy

Over 87,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses over a 12 month period ending in September 2020. Without question, there is a link between the increased numbers of people dying from drug overdoses and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear, stress, job loss, enforced restrictions and closure to vital support services are some of the factors researchers are exploring when examining the impact COVID-19 has had on drug overdoses. This New York Times article provides an overview

The European Region has the highest level of alcohol consumption in the world. To reduce these harms, WHO/Europe has identified three affordable, feasible and cost-effective intervention strategies: increase excise taxes on alcoholic beverages introduce and enforce bans or clear restrictions on exposure to alcohol advertising enact and enforce restrictions on the physical availability of retailed alcohol. Here you can read about the successful outcomes in Lithuania, Scotland and the Russian Federation.

According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria ranks second on the list of African countries for heavy episodic drinking. Despite concerning figures, the picture is less clear when analysing particular populations, such as university student. In an article, published in the conversation, researchers from North-West University discuss findings from their latest research, which analyses the prevalence of alcohol use was among students and how this differed by gender, age and geographical location.