The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has cautioned that individuals most vulnerable to the harmful consequences of consuming banned pack sizes of alcoholic drinks include minors, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders.
In her statement on Monday in Abuja, Adeyeye made reference to the WHO analysis underscores the global concern surrounding the consumption of alcohol and its impact on public health. Saying WHO has long advocated for measures to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The warning issued by NAFDAC’s Director-General serves as a reminder of the risks associated with the consumption of certain alcoholic beverages, especially those packaged in banned sizes. Adeyeye emphasized the need for heightened awareness and regulatory measures to protect individuals, particularly those most susceptible to the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
The mention of under-aged individuals, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders as high-risk groups reflects the potential dangers posed by alcohol consumption in specific contexts. Adeyeye’s stated that it’s the mandate of NAFDAC to safeguard public health by regulating the production, distribution, and consumption of food and drugs within Nigeria.
As concerns over public health and safety persist, stakeholders are urged to collaborate in implementing strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm. Adeyeye’s remarks underscore the importance of proactive measures to address the challenges associated with alcohol consumption, ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities across Nigeria.
“The World Health Organisation has established that children who drink alcohol are more likely to use drugs, get bad grades, suffer injury or death, engage in risky sexual activity, make bad decisions, and have health problems. The WHO also stated that harmful consumption of alcohol is linked to more than 200 health conditions including infectious diseases – Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS; and non-communicable conditions- liver cirrhosis and different types of cancer.
“It is also associated with social problems, such as alcohol addiction and gender-based violence.
“To curb the menace of abuse of alcohol, WHO recommended some actions and strategies to policymakers that have shown to be effective and cost-effective, which includes regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages, and regulating and restricting the availability of alcohol,” she said.