European Alcohol Health Alliance Symposium, 11 December 2024 17:00 – 18:00 UTC Time Copenhagen, Denmark

WHO/Europe, in collaboration with the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), will host a European Alcohol Health Alliance Symposium, taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 11 December 2024. This symposium offers a valuable opportunity for health professionals to consider a collaborative initiative to address the critical issue of alcohol-related harms across the WHO European Region.Alcohol consumption remains a significant public health challenge in Europe, contributing to over 200 diseases, including at least 7 types of cancer. It is responsible for nearly 800 000 deaths annually in the WHO European Region. The impact of alcohol-related harm extends beyond patients, placing a heavy burden on health professionals, as they frequently manage a high volume of alcohol-induced injuries, hospitalizations, and chronic conditions.

The symposium will highlight the value and essential need for coordinated actions in alcohol policy and prevention efforts. Participants will engage in constructive dialogues to assess collective interest in establishing an alliance, which will foster stronger collaboration among diverse health professionals.

The symposium will focus on the following key objectives:

• explore successful advocacy models – attendees will share insights on strategies that have effectively influenced alcohol policy changes, showcasing best practices and lessons learned;
• facilitate discussions around the formation of an alliance – the event will provide a platform for open dialogue on the vision and framework of a potential European Alcohol Health Alliance;
• identify key needs, opportunities, and challenges – participants will collaboratively assess opportunities, essential requirements and potential obstacles in launching this initiative, in an inclusive and comprehensive approach; and
• strengthen collaborative partnerships – the symposium aspires to foster connections among European health organizations, amplifying collective efforts in addressing alcohol-related harms.

By bringing together a diverse group of health professionals, the symposium aims to encourage meaningful discussions and collaborative action. This event is part of the WHO/European Union Evidence into Action Alcohol Project, co-funded by the European Union. The project was established to foster networks, promote evidence-based alcohol policies, and support the European Framework for Action on Alcohol 2022–2025, emphasizing the reduction of alcohol-related harms through coordinated and joint initiatives.

In collaboration with EASL, the symposium builds on EASL’s long-standing commitment to reducing alcohol-related harms, as outlined in the EASL policy statement on reducing alcohol harms.

For more information about the symposium, please contact Efthyia Helis at helise@who.int.