How big a problem is alcohol abuse in Africa? | DW News

a recent report from the World Health Organisation found that most Africans don't drink alcohol at all - and never have done.
More than 70% of Africans have never drunk alcohol or are former drinkers. How does that compare with the mainly Muslim Eastern Med? Abstention there is above 95%. And in Europe? It is almost the opposite to Africa - nearly two-thirds of Europeans say they do drink alcohol.
Whatever they are drinking, adults in those Muslim-majority countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East consume about 16 grams of pure alcohol per day.
European drinkers consume twice as much: about 32 grams every day. Despite having fewer drinkers, African drinkers consume even more alcohol: about 33 grams per day. Just for the sake of comparison that's about two and half glasses of wine every day.
But although relatively few African adults drink, those who do, drink a lot.
So is there such a thing safe drinking? The WHO says clearly there is no safe level for alcohol consumption: There is danger in every drop. So what is life like for those heavy drinkers?
Europe and Africa have the highest number of alcohol deaths in the world. In Europe, there are 53 deaths per 100 thousand drinkers and Africa loses 52. Compare with the mainly Muslim countries where alcohol consumption is lower - the deaths caused by drink are far lower -- just 9 per 100 thousand.
But some lives are blighted by booze even before they begin. Alcohol is a potent poison, especially for the developing fetus in a mother's womb - a condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD. South Africa's wine industry is centered on Westen Cape and it's no coincidence that the province has the highest rate of the alcohol disorder --in the entire world. Dianne Hawker reports from Cape Town.

00:00 Alcohol in Africa
06:36 DW speaks with Anne Mathu, recovering alcoholic & campaigner
14:49 DW speaks with Aadielah Maker Diedericks, Secretary General Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance
22:29 DW speaks with Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba, founder of Drink Nil

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#Alcohol #AlcoholAbuse #Afrcia

[Gustav_Smit]

Alcohol abuse is massively underreported in South Africa. It's ruined millions of South African households😓

[joshuagaolefufa]

I’m an African from Botswana. 30 years on, & i never nor wish to taste or indulge in alcohol. We exist. We are many. Thank you.

[Baros]

The africa where i come from( Ghana) don't drink anywhere near UK's level. Not even up to 50% of it

[crallo_phades]

As a former alcoholic, myself… there’s nothing you can do or say to stop an alcoholic. After 15 years of consuming alcohol, I am currently 12 months sober and I can solidly say… quitting alcohol is an inside job. External influences have no impact at all.

[clivematthews]

South African music also plays a part in the spread of alcohol consumption, particularly the ama-piano music, the lyrics promote reckless drinking.

[earthsecho]

In South Africa, alcoholism is an outright problem. Spiraling GBV is intrinsically linked to alcohol abuse and toxic patriarchal beliefs.
When men lose hope and lack restraint and discipline, they tear society down.

[kingwinter]

Almost 1 year and 6 months free from alcohol. Worst drug ever.

[mylesmills]

Dumb headline- Africa is a continent for goodness sake. Every country has it own unique characteristics

[mugin]

People drink alcohol because they feel miserable and alcohol makes you miserable. It is a hard circle to break out of.

[mduduzigama]

The problem is people take offense when truth is spoken. You can see some of the comments are so defensive, instead of acknowledging the reality. No one is forced to drink or to not drink. Every person has a right to choose what to do with their own lives. But the dangers of anything, be it alcohol or excess sugar should be communicated to people so they can make informed decisions.

This is well presented. Well done to DW as always.

[abramg.maruapula]

Here in Botswana kids/teenagers believe its a right-of-passage to drink alcohol. they start even before the age of 15 years. lets have a voice to the young people

[manayesh]

Focus more on south africa. We're the biggest consumers of liquor in africa. Thats why our youth don't have a clue about how our government is robbing SAns. Because they're mostly intoxicated.

[YESYOUMA]

HOW BIG IS ALCOHOL ABUSE IN EUROPE???? YOU SHOULD WORRY MORE ABOUT THAT!!!

[victorm]

Unemployment and underemployment gives people time to drink in the cases shown here.Getting rid of poverty solves most problems unlike policing and regulation.

[funguamacho]

4 months 2 days sober. Only God knows how he got me out of that death trap and I will forever be great full and will keep praying for those who are still suffering. 🙏🏿

[bernardwanjohi]

In the UK, drinking is a fulltime job, everyone is a drunk there, it's surprising.

[eunicembeve]

Alcoholism is a serious problem here in Zimbabwe. I'm personally trying to quit. I've lost so much to it

[BeleniYara-owzq]

Worse in South Africa 🇿🇦 youth dreams is to drink alcohol daily
Crime is too high under influence of alcohol
You can hire them and pay them by alcohol

[Talesofourchildhood]

Those who think this report needs to be about Europe 😢but the truth is the more we talk about this the more support we can offer help to our loved ones affected.Av lost one close family member to alcohol and my now brother is struggling with it.
If you knew the pain alcoholism causes you would stop denying and start accepting we need help.

[tinotendakunaishe]

This "Africa is a country" bull$h!t needs to stop