Countries Journeys Towards Effective Alcohol Policy Solutions
Around the world, communities are choosing health. Governments are acting. Civil society is leading the way. This page gathers the stories of countries that have achieved inspiring progress in evidence-based alcohol policy to protect their people, build healthier societies, and promote sustainable development for all.
These stories show what becomes possible when civil society, government champions, and international allies work hand in hand to overcome alcohol industry interference to promote the common good.
We hope they inspire you to act.
Viet Nam: A Journey Towards Comprehensive Alcohol Policy
How Viet Nam built the alliances, gathered the evidence, and secured landmark alcohol legislation – and what advocates worldwide can learn from this inspiring public health achievement.
For decades, Viet Nam experienced one of the fastest rises in alcohol consumption in the world. But eventually, in 2019 the country responded with its first-ever comprehensive Alcohol Harm Prevention Law. It is a landmark achievement built on leadership and commitment of people in the government, parliament, civil society and academia.
Years of determined advocacy rooted in lived experience and anchored in the realities of communities facing alcohol harm unlocked remarkable alcohol policy progress. Strategic and timely use of evidence paved the way. And partnerships in Viet Nam as well as international support helped overcome alcohol industry interference
The law delivered rapid, visible results. Within months, traffic crashes fell by more than 50%. In 2025, the National Assembly took another remarkable, approving a multi-year alcohol tax increase – the most powerful alcohol policy tool of all.
Viet Nam’s journey shows what persistence, solidarity, and evidence-based advocacy can achieve. It is a story with lessons for alcohol policy advocates everywhere.