Alcohol and HIV: Zimbabwe’s experience developing an alcohol
Policy
Dorcas SitholeMental Health DepartmentMinistry of Health & Child Welfare
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Background
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
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National alcohol policy
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
The Intersection of Alcohol and HIV/AIDSStigma- shame, blame and fear
Speeds up HIV diseasePromotes high risk sex
Lack of adherence to medsPoorer health-poor nutrition
Risk factor for aggressive/violence
National alcohol policy
•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
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Guiding Principles of the Policy
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
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Guiding Principles of the Policy 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
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POLICY AIMS and OBJECTIVES 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
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POLICY AIMS (continued)
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
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POLICY Priorities and Target Areas Related to Alcohol and HIV/AIDS
COMMUNITY ACTION AND EDUCATIONPolicy 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 RESPONSEPolicy 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
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POLICY Priorities and Target Areas related to Alcohol and HIV/AIDS
AT-RISK POPULATIONSPolicy 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 ALCOHOLPolicy 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
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National alcohol policy
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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
National alcohol policy and HIV/AIDS
Where are we now?Under review by the Cabinet MinistersUpon approval sign by the PresidentPre-launch meeting with stakeholders including the HIV communityPolicy launch with initial implementation focused on community based services integrated with ongoing HIV/AIDS services
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Acknowledgments
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
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Thank youSiyabonga
Tatenda
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