Our work

The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance and its global network work actively to reduce alcohol-related harm worldwide by promoting science-based policies independent of commercial interests.

GAPA involvement in WHO process to develop the alcohol action plan

Starting with a discussion at the 72nd World Health Assembly in 2019 WHO embarked on a process leading to the 75th World Health Assembly in 2022 discussing a WHO alcohol action plan 2022-2030. See an overview over developments along with GAPA positions throughout this process.

GAPA Policy positions

GAPA concerns over WHO Foundation gift acceptance policy

In 2021 the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA) wrote a letter to the CEO of the newly formed WHO Foundation, formed to enhance funding of the World Health Organization. GAPA expressed concerns about the WHO Foundation’s gift acceptance policy.

106 community leaders call on WHO to stop closed-door meetings with alcohol lobbyists

A group of 106 community and public health leaders from 60 countries and six continents are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to stop its closed-door meetings with alcohol lobbyists, which allow companies that profit from alcoholic products to have unprecedented access to leaders who are responsible for advancing global health.

GAPA network raises concerns over WHO interaction with alcohol industry

In early April the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance and Regional Alliances sent a letter to the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, raising concerns about the WHO interaction with alcohol industry.

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Updates from the alcohol policy field

GAPA welcomes evidence update on the most effective alcohol policy strategies to protect public health

December 2, 2022

GAPA welcomes the third edition of Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity, written by an international team of addiction scientists and representing more than a decade of new research, explaining why alcohol policy is needed, how it is made, and the impact it has on health and well-being.

RESET Alcohol to address alcohol harms

November 1, 2022

The new initiative launched to address neglected global health crisis of alcohol harms is supported with a $15 million philanthropic award that doubles existing global funding. RESET Alcohol will work in fifteen countries primarily in Latin America, Africa, Asia.

WHA adopts Global Alcohol Action Plan

May 29, 2022

On Friday 27 May 2022, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global Alcohol Action Plan, in the making for two years. GAPA welcomes the decision by the WHA. Now words must be followed by action, globally and in the member countries. For that, adequate resources are needed, particularly in low and middle-income countries to address global inequities.

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