The World Health Organization has called for stronger regulation globally of the digital marketing of alcohol.
The agency made the revelation in a statement posted on its website on Tuesday.
He added that alcohol consumption is capable of robbing young people of their life and potential.
According to the WHO, the rise of sophisticated online alcohol marketing techniques has dangerously exposed heavy drinkers and young people, who are often targeted, to certain health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
“Alcohol robs young people, their families and societies of their lives and their potential.
“Yet, despite the obvious health risks, controls on the marketing of alcohol are much weaker than for other psychoactive products.
“Better, well-enforced and more consistent regulation of alcohol marketing will both save and improve the lives of young people around the world,” he said.
He noted that globally, three million people die each year from the harmful use of alcohol – one person every 10 seconds, which is around 5% of all recorded deaths.
“A disproportionate number of these alcohol-related deaths occur among young people, with 13.5% of all deaths among people aged 20-39 being alcohol-related.
“The lack of regulation to tackle the cross-border marketing of alcohol is of particular concern for children and adolescents, women and heavy drinkers.
“Studies have shown that starting to drink alcohol at a young age is a predictor of hazardous drinking in young adults and beyond that, these adolescent drinkers are more susceptible to the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. alcohol than older drinkers WHO
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