By Staff Writer
Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya says Zambian women are ranked highest in alcohol consumption in the world.
Ms Siliya said to curb alcoholism Cabinet on Monday 21, 2018 at State House approved the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy.
She said alcohol taken beyond recommended levels put people at risk of consequences developing cancers, road accidents, gender based violence, promiscuity, mental illness and low birth weight in children born from drinking mothers.
The Minister said a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) brought forth a startling revelation that Zambian Women were at the top of the list as the highest Alcohol Consumers in the world.
“This is a big challenge for Government because women are considered to be a force to help curb alcoholism and prevent alcohol – related harms in the Children. Evidence suggests that 42 per cent of Zambian Women drink excessively,” She said.
She said alcohol also interferes with a person’s ability to meet their responsibility and if over indulgence occurred over a period of time, it was likely to lead to alcoholism or chemical addiction to alcohol.
“Alcoholism will lead to withdrawal of Symptoms that can be quite severe and during treatment for withdrawal, the response to the fall in blood levels can lead a person to have seizures and possible death. Cabinet has agreed that all sectors should participate in implementation of this important policy,” She said.
