By Lincoln G. Peters
The Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance (LAPA) has officially launched a Civil Society Shadow Report on the implementation of the Framework for the implementation of the Global Alcohol Action Play 2022-2030 in Liberia, while urging activating coordination mechanisms, enhancing stakeholder awareness, and prioritizing alcohol harm prevention programs.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, about 30 Liberian Civil Society Organizations officially launched the CSO’s Shadow Report on the Implementation of the Framework for the implementation of the Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022-2030), at the Archdiocesan Resources Center, St. Teresa’s Convent Compound.
The Report is draw from a three-day symposiums which brought together diverse Civil Society Organizations, international partners, public health professionals as well as government officials.
Reading the group Shadow Report Executive summary at the end of the three-day workshop, Mrs. Mattie G. R. Zeineddine, Chairperson of the group stated that the summary outlines the current status of alcohol control efforts in Liberia, focusing on partnerships, policy development, legislation, illicit alcohol, and measures to reduce alcohol acceptability, while highlighting key achievements, challenges, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
She said that (LAPA) has collaborated with the Ministry of Health (MoH) since 2019 to develop and launch the National Alcohol Policy and Strategy 2023-2033, but the implementation has slowed due to changes in government since 2024.
Providing the Report key recommendations, she disclosed they urging for the operationalization Coordination Mechanisms, which will enables the MoH to activate the National Alcohol Control Board, Alcohol Secretariat, and Local Committee on Alcohol Control and convene regular coordination meet-ings.
“Develop and Enact National Alcohol Legislation: Mobilize resources to support the drafting, review, validation, and passage into law of the National Alcohol Control Legislation. Strengthen Data Collection: Implement the Accessibility, Availability, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation interventions of the National Alcohol Strategy to collect and process data on illicitly produced alcohol.” Madam Zeineddine urged.
She further recommended the enhancement of Public Awareness, noting that Key stakeholders should engage in awareness creation and sensitize the public on the key elements of the National Alcohol Policy and Strategy 2023-2033.
Additionally, Madam Zeineddine urged that the government prioritize Alcohol Harm Prevention into its programme of work and develop, review, validate, adopt, implement, and draft National Alcohol Legislation.
” Increase Budgetary Allocations: The Ministry of Finance in collaboration with MoH should make budgetary allocations to support the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and Strategy 2023-2033. Provide Technical Assistance: WHO should provide technical assistance and other support to Moll, LAPA, and other actors to effectively carry out their mandate including the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and Strategy 2023-2033. Address Substance Use Disorder: The Government needs to expand rehabilitation facilities across the country as SUDs cut across Liberia.” She urged.
Accordingly, she added that to expedite this process, LAPA is working closely with the new Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health to strengthen political will and support for policy execution.
“WHO has contributed and supported the establishment of the Alcohol Technical Working Group as the multisectoral coordination mechanism but regular operational activities have yet to commence and hindering effectiveness. Various sectors, universities, NGOs, and international partners are involved, but the delayed implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and Strategy 2023-2033 limits the assessment of its effectiveness.” She concluded.
