FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES CHEERS COLLABORATIONS TO STOP YOUTH ALCOHOL ABUSE
Brewer hosts webinar to discuss solutions to alcohol abuse and underage consumption anchored by the prevalence of illicit alcohol.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian breweries hosted a webinar last week under the theme, “Collaborative solutions to address alcohol abuse among the youth” as part of its alcohol responsibility programme and initiatives.
The webinar was graced by a panel of experts from various backgrounds including mental health, and public health, to discuss alcoholism, particularly amongst the youth.
The panel included Mr Ernest Nestah Gondwe, Secretary General and CEO of the Bars and Nightclub Owners’ Association, Dr Francisa Bwalya, Acting Head Clinical Care at Chainama Hills hospital and the National Mental Health Coordinator under the Ministry of Health mental health, Mr Victor K. Kagoli, Director of Public Health from Lusaka City Council, and renowned artiste, Maureen Lilanda.
Together the panel raised awareness on the challenges and stigma around the problem that is alcohol abuse and alcoholism and shared on collaborative opportunities such as community mentorship and support groups and enforcement of illicit alcohol trading.
“Alcohol abuse, especially among the youths, is a growing concern not only in Zambia but all around the world. Most notably it has been recorded as a catalyst of vices such as gender-based violence, underage drinking, binge drinking, road accidents, mental health problems and poor health. As a responsible brewer, it’s important for us to start these conversations around alcohol abuse.” Ms Kilpin, Country Director of Zambian Breweries said by way of an introduction to the discussion..
Over the years, the nation’s largest brewer has worked to combat harmful drinking practices through various campaigns, most notably their Smart drinking campaign which has successfully run since 2016 under the company’s alcohol responsibility policy.
The campaigns have been run through collaborative partnerships with Government bodies, private organisations and non-governmental organisations such as the Lusaka City Council, The Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the Bars and Nightclub Owners Association of Zambia (BNCOAZ) and the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), to educate consumers and inspire behaviour change.
“We believe that harmful consumption of alcohol is bad for our consumers, our colleagues, our families, our communities and our business. Our dream is to create a world with more cheers and that begins with a healthy and vibrant young population, and we would therefore like to extend this invitation to other players in the alcohol industry to join our cause to stop the misuse and abuse of alcohol among youth,” Michelle Kilpin concluded.
The webinar was streamed live on Zambian Breweries Facebook page and is available for viewing by the public.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
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