Dorcas Sithole Mental Health Department Ministry of Health & Child Welfare 1

 Initial discussions began in 2008  Consultations very extensive  6 drafts have been made from six consultative meetings  Final draft agreed on end of 2011  Final Draft awaiting cabinet approval  Regulations will be modified to comply with new policy 2

SUMMARY The Zimbabwe National Alcohol Policy is a comprehensive national strategy to address and reduce the harmful use of alcohol. The Policy reaches into the health sector and beyond to engage development, transportation, justice, social welfare, agriculture, trade and commerce, education as well as employment and the community in partnerships so that the entire population can be free from alcohol related harm. 3

Stigma- shame, blame and fear Speeds up HIV disease Promotes high risk sex Lack of adherence to meds Poorer health-poor nutrition Risk factor for aggressive/violence

IMPLEMENTATION Implementation of a comprehensive and community endorsed national policy assures availability of alcohol in the community with an appropriate level of regulation and protection of at-risk populations, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS and society-at-large from the harmful effects of alcohol use 5

 Political and Social Commitment  Needed for a change in social norms  Freedom to Choose  Drinking or not behavior is respected  Protection of Vulnerable Populations  Such as children, pregnant women and PLHIV  Protection of At-Risk Individuals and Groups  Children and adults adversely affected by harmful behavior  Community Participation  Crucial to ownership and effectiveness of programs 6

 Inter-Sectoral Approach  Essential for harnessing strengths, advantages and different directions  Evidence-Based  Based on evidence locally & internationally sourced with sustainability  Prevention, Treatment and Care Services  Services are available, accessible and affordable for those affected  Alcohol Production  Manufacturers follow best practices with social & environmental responsibility  Packaging and Consumer Information  Regulations that promote legal and harm-free consumption 7

 Using the Guiding Principles of the Policy the overarching objective is to prevent and minimize all harm related to alcohol consumption.  POLICY AIMS  To raise awareness of the public health problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol and the commitment of the government to reduce and prevent, where possible, the harmful use of alcohol  To mobilize all relevant parties to take appropriate and concerted action to reduce and prevent, where possible, the harmful use of alcohol  To enhance the national capacity and capability to reduce and prevent, where possible, the harmful use of alcohol 8

 To strengthen the knowledge base through coordinated public education programs along with effective interventions to reduce and prevent the harmful use of alcohol  To implement evidence based interventions addressing: ▪ Incidence of intoxication and use by at –risk and vulnerable groups and populations ▪ Education and information dissemination to health care providers ▪ Evidence-based prevention and treatment ▪ Promoting public safety by reducing drink-driving and other alcohol- related social disorders, ▪ Regulation of production, promotion and marketing of alcohol products ▪ Prison programming and the criminal justice system ▪ Addressing underage drinking 9

 COMMUNITY ACTION AND EDUCATION Policy Interventions  Develop public education campaign  Initiate & support specific programs e.g. youth and workplace  Develop local capacity for community action programs  Develop school curricula on prevention and treatment  HEATH SERVICES RESPONSE Policy Interventions  Increase capacity of health and social welfare system to deliver prevention, care and treatment for alcohol use disorders  Develop health education for at-risk and vulnerable populations  Health education for health care/security forces /criminal justice  Develop health referrals between hospitals and specialists 10

AT-RISK POPULATIONS Policy Interventions  Rigorously enforce under age drinking legislation  Develop educational materials specific for at –risk groups  Target outreach & counseling services for at-risk & vulnerable groups  Educate women of child bearing age about alcohol harm REDUCING ILLEGAL AND INFORMAL ALCOHOL Policy Interventions  Develop legislation on informal alcohol  Ensure quality and purity standards on commercial non-licit products  Develop an education program on the harm of informal /illicit alcohol  Develop tracking and shipping systems with border surveillance 11

12 IMPLEMENTATION Success will require action by government to engage all relevant stakeholders on the guiding principles of the National Alcohol Policy as well as the policy priorities and target areas of the policy. Sustained political commitment, effective co-ordination, appropriate engagement of all stakeholders Critical to the success of the National Alcohol Policy are: Dissemination, communication and promotion of the National Alcohol Policy to key stakeholders Building partnerships, including partnerships among government, industry and the community Coordination of activities and outcomes through strategic planning Monitoring and Evaluation of the policy and it’s implementation A National Alcohol Action plan with annual reporting

Where are we now? Under review by the Cabinet Ministers Upon approval sign by the President Pre-launch meeting with stakeholders including the HIV community Policy launch with initial implementation focused on community based services integrated with ongoing HIV/AIDS services 13

 Government of Zimbabwe  Government ministries and departments  Health Advisory office  Municipalities  Zimbabwe stakeholders  Private companies, health professions councils, AA  WHO country office  USG  DHHS/SAMHSA  CDC Zimbabwe 14

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