Yet, not enough countries use these and other effective policy options to prevent death, disease and injury attributable to alcohol consumption. Since 1999, when WHO fi rst began to report on alcohol policies, at least 34 countries have adopted some type of formal policies. Restrictions on alcohol marketing and on drink–driving have increased but, in general, there are no clear trends on most preventive measures. A large proportion of countries, representing a high percentage of the global population, has weak alcohol policies and prevention programmes that do not protect the health and safety of the populace. This report is.
