Nadi, Fiji, October 22, 2025 – Health leaders from across the WHO Western Pacific Region have endorsed a powerful and evidence-based regional implementation plan to accelerate action on alcohol harm. Adopted during the 76th Regional Committee Meeting (RC76), the plan provides a clear and practical roadmap for countries to implement the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022 – 2030.
This is a breakthrough for people’s health in the region,” said Caterina Giorgi, Movendi International’s representative at RC76.
Countries are stepping up to address the root causes of alcohol harm – and taking a strong stand against alcohol industry interference.”
Caterina Giorgi, Representative to the WHO in the Western Pacific, Movendi International
The new plan focuses on six priority areas, including:
- Raising alcohol taxes and indexing them to income and inflation;
- Regulating online and on-demand alcohol sales;
- Banning or strictly regulating alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion;
- Strengthening drink-driving countermeasures;
- Expanding treatment and brief interventions in primary health care;
- Raising public awareness, including through a new WHO communications campaign: #AlcoholLeavesAMark.
The plan also highlights a critical issue long emphasized by civil society: alcohol industry interference. It explicitly names commercial interference as a barrier to implementation and calls on governments to safeguard public health policymaking from conflicts of interest.
Seventeen countries delivered statements during the session, sharing national challenges and solutions — including new alcohol advertising bans in Cambodia, inflation-indexed alcohol taxes in Mongolia, and increased levies and updated guidelines in New Zealand. Fiji, Malaysia, and the Philippines raised concerns about rising harm from cheap alcohol and confirmed their commitment to stronger action.
“We are very happy because this plan is excellent – and it will help countries fast-track the most effective alcohol policy solutions,” said Kristina Sperkova, President of Movendi International.
It’s rooted in lived experience, the latest evidence, and real political leadership. We thank WHO and all Member States for this milestone decision.”
Kristina Sperkova, International President, Movendi International
Movendi International delivered a formal statement during the debate, calling for urgent and full implementation of the plan, especially action to reduce alcohol affordability, availability, and marketing – and to protect young people, indigenous communities, and those most affected by alcohol harm.
These are more than words on a page. If implemented, this plan will change lives,” added Ms Giorgi.
We stand ready to support countries and WHO to turn this roadmap into real results for healthier, safer communities.”
Caterina Giorgi, Representative to the WHO in the Western Pacific, Movendi International
Notes for the Editor
More details
Find more details about the plan and the RC76 deliberations, here.
Find Kristina’s and Caterina’s full quotes, here.
See the Statement: Caterina Giorgi delivers Movendi International’s statement to RC76 starting at 1:06:04
Download the Plan: WPR/RC76/7: Accelerating Implementation of the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan in the Western Pacific Region
About Movendi International
With 170+ Member Organization from 60+ countries, Movendi International is the largest independent global social movement for alcohol policy advocacy to reach the sustainable development goals.
We unite, strengthen and empower civil society to tackle alcohol as serious obstacle to development on personal, community, societal and global level.
We partner with governments worldwide to support evidence-based and common-sense alcohol policy initiatives.