Trade Agreements: A Potential 'Perfect Storm' of Alcohol-Related Problems in Developing Nations

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Donald W. Zeigler, PhD, Office of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, American Medical Association, 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-464-5687, Donald.Zeigler@ama-assn.org

Increased trade liberalization may promote prosperity, lower prices, increase competition and wider product promotion, and greater consumption in developing countries. In terms of alcohol control, this would create the "perfect storm" for greater alcohol-related problems. Effective alcohol control measures seek to reduce alcohol consumption, constrain access, decrease promotion, and increase prices. On the contrary, under current and pending international agreements these measures may be seen as constraints on trade, interfere with commercial priorities and profit opportunities of foreign businesses.

Learning Objectives:

Participant will be able to identify

Factors promoting alcohol problems in the developing world; important policies that protect populations from alcohol abuse; how international trade agreements could threaten to preempt current or prevent future public health policies related to alcohol; and what protective measures can be taken if this is the case.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Trade Agreements and Trade Issues Affecting Health in Developing Countries

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA