ALCOHOL USE AND RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Abstract

Data from the World Health Organization Global Alcohol Database (GAD) show a wide variation in per capita consumption of recorded alcohol in African countries, ranging from less than 1 litre of pure alcohol in some (mostly Muslim) countries to more than 10 litres in a couple of others. For all countries, a pattern of increasing per capita consumption emerged in the 1960s, continued throughout the 70s, and peaked around 1979 at about 4.5 litres. The steady rise in consumption paralleled post-independence economic boom in many countries, just as the slight decline in per capita consumption in the past two decades might be associated with worsening economic conditions. Today, the average per capita consumption is a little under 4 litres, less than half of the European average. These figures do not account for much (in many cases the larger part) of the alcohol consumed in the form of traditional beverages since these are not reflected in official records. Though a lot remains to be known about drinking and alcohol-related problems in Africa, there are a few consistent finding from survey research. Abstention rates are high, especially among women; but high levels of (often episodic) consumption are common among male and female drinkers. Studies in several countries have shown an association between harmful consumption of alcohol and health and social consequences, including death from road traffic accidents, domestic violence, HIV infection, and disorders requiring demand for treatment. Consumption of commercial beverages is expected to rise in the coming years as the economic conditions continue to improve in some countries and as a result of increasing marketing and promotion activities by the industry. National responses to these problems will require better research evidence on the health and social problems attributable to alcohol consumption, and the implementation of effective policies to address these problems in countries across the continent.