Alcohol is the leading risk factor for death and disability for persons aged 15-49 throughout the world. Recent summaries of the research literature have concluded that exposure to alcohol marketing plays a causal role in whether and how much young people drink.
The WHO European Region has the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita in the world, yet alcohol labelling, a WHO-recommended practice that provides consumer information on the ingredients, nutritional values and harms of alcohol, is not mandatory.
The media has a major role in influencing people's drinking behaviour.
Despite clear evidence linking harmful alcohol consumption with increased risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, and violence-related injuries, we are continuously fed advertisements promoting alcohol products and glorifying alcohol consumption.
In response to the tobacco and related industries’ systematic, aggressive and sustained tactics to attract a new generation of tobacco users, World No Tobacco Day 2020 will provide a counter-marketing campaign and empower young people to engage in the fight against Big Tobacco.
Over the years, there has been a global decline in tobacco consumption, and countries have made significant progress in developing evidence-based and cost-effective tobacco control measures. As a result, tobacco industries have had to develop new products and be creative in the way they market their merchandise.
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.