The consumption of alcoholic drinks has reduced in the last five years at the same time that the prices and revenue generated from sales of alcoholic drinks increased.
The decline in consumption marks a general reduction in the intake of alcohol and may reduce health-related issues that might arise from alcoholic drink intake, such as renal failure, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, among others.
Over the past five (5) years, data shows a growing preference for carbonated drinks and a decline in alcoholic beverage consumption.
Alcohol intake was reduced from 96.08 litres per person (annually) in 2018 to 81.53 litres per person in 2023. On the other hand, the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks increased from 42.63 litres in 2018 to 55.64 litres in 2023.
However, people’s consumption of alcohol still exceeds that of non-alcoholic drinks.
A Way to Minimise Health Challenges in the Country.
The World Health Organization (WHO), says, worldwide, 3.3 million deaths occur annually because of the harmful use of alcohol. This represents 5.9% of all deaths.
Alcohol consumption causes over 200 diseases, injuries, and health conditions. The health conditions include mental disorders, alcohol dependence, and severe diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and certain cancers.
To overcome challenges associated with alcohol consumption, the WHO recommended that countries regulate the marketing of alcoholic beverages and restrict the availability of alcohol.
Therefore, the body called on countries to increase taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks to counter their adverse effects on global health and promote healthy behaviour.
The Nigerian Government Marks Territory.
A report by the cable says the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned selling alcoholic drinks in sachets and polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles less than 200 ml to prohibit alcohol production in containers that a child can easily hide, not in larger bottles.
According to experts, alcohol intake poses health risks in the lives of people.
However, to meet the SDG 2030 agenda targets and reduce harmful alcohol use, countries must collaboratively take practical action through the WHO global monitoring framework for non-communicable diseases to address the health and social impacts of alcohol.
Kafilat Taiwo is a Data Journalist & Research executive at Dataphyte with a background in mass communication. She uses research and data to tell stories around Health, Accountability, Gender, Solutions journalism and Investigative reporting to influence change and development.
Oluwasegun Abidoye is a data analyst at Dataphyte with a background in Statistics, where he analyses data and brings out facts and insight from data focused on leveraging socio-economic development in Nigeria and beyond.
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