Excessive Alcohol Consumption is a major social problem in Belize and now the ministry of health is coming up with draft National Alcohol Policy for Belize.
The idea is to reduce alcohol- related harm in the society.
A consultation workshop was held today and two of the participants spoke to us about what they hope to come up with:..
Geraldo Picascio, PAHO Representative
"The major recommendations and that's exactly what we are trying to work with the government of Belize in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is to develop an alcohol policy and that alcohol policy - the recommendation is that it has to be developed in collaboration with the multi stakeholders."
Alfonso Ayala, Consultant Alcohol Policy
"One of the important ones is enforcement, the laws are there. They are appropriate, many of them are still very relevant others will need some review and enforcement, but definitely the law enforcement or the government enforcement of the laws is a very important aspect that we need to remind everybody to highlight."
"Some of the things are being a little bit forgotten or they need to be reemphasized, and some others will need some changes in order to make them more effective for the reduction of alcohol consumption in Belize."
Geraldo Picascio, PAHO Representative
"And all together, come with something that is appropriate for the country, a policy for alcohol abuse, prevention and also to try and address some issues about the prevention of alcohol among the youth."
This exercise is conducted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Drug Abuse Control Council and the Pan-American Health Organization.
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