The Regional Forum on Protecting Young People from the Harmful Use of Alcohol (Regional Forum) was organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific and co-convened by the Department of Health from 29 to 30 April 2016 in Hong Kong.

 

According to WHO, the harmful use of alcohol is a global problem that compromises both individual and social development. In 2012, about 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9% of all global deaths, and 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), were attributable to alcohol consumption. Young people are particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related harm because of specific biological, neurological, social and psychological factors. In response to this public health issue, WHO has advocated for policies and action to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, especially among young people. These include measures related to taxation to increase the price of alcohol products, strict regulation of marketing and physical availability of alcoholic beverages, legal minimum drinking age restrictions, regulated access to settings and events that young people may frequent, and screening for problematic use and early interventions. 

 

The Regional Forum has witnessed the success dedicated by more than 50 participants from across academic institutions, governmental agency, healthcare sector, advocacy groups, non-governmental organisations and youth representatives. It has also provided guidance on priority and cost-effective interventions to reduce alcohol related harm, shared tools, and strengthened youth engagement and action for more effective advocacy. A Statement of Young People Against Alcohol Harm was developed and agreed by youth participants to motivate and engage groups and individuals that care about the youth drinking.