Grant: Project Grant

Alcohol use is a major global health concern, contributing to over 230 diseases and injuries and accounting for 2.6 million deaths annually-nearly 5% of all global deaths. It is a leading risk factor for disease burden, with significant social and economic consequences. Research shows that strong alcohol policies, such as taxation, sales restrictions, and marketing bans, can reduce alcohol-related harms. However, to develop effective policies, governments need reliable and consistent data on alcohol consumption, health risks, and policy measures. This project aims to strengthen global alcohol monitoring by: 1.Tracking Alcohol Use Over Time - Estimating alcohol consumption patterns, binge drinking, and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) rates from 2000 to 2025 by country, gender, and age group. 2.Developing the Global Alcohol Surveillance System (GASS) - Creating a standardized framework for collecting and analyzing alcohol-related data worldwide. 3.Measuring Alcohol's Health Impact - Estimating the number of diseases, injuries, and deaths caused by alcohol over time by country, sex, and age group. 4.Monitoring and Modeling Alcohol Policies - Documenting national alcohol policies since 2000 and developing an interactive tool to assess their potential impact on alcohol use and related harms. To achieve these goals, we will review national alcohol surveys, analyze global health data, and use statistical modelling to identify trends and risk factors. Experts will develop a core set of survey questions to harmonize alcohol monitoring globally. An online policy modeling tool will help governments evaluate the potential benefits of different policy options. Led by an expert team in public health, epidemiology, and policy analysis, this research will improve alcohol data collection, support evidence-based policymaking, and contribute to reducing alcohol-related harm worldwide.