Reducing alcohol-related harm: SAFER implementation handbook

Overview

Reducing alcohol-related harm: SAFER implementation handbook provides practical guidance for countries, communities and institutions seeking to implement the World Health Organization’s SAFER initiative and accelerate progress under the Global alcohol action plan 2022–2030. The handbook translates evidence and global policy commitments into concrete implementation pathways. It guides users through country SAFER landscape reports, joint assessments and 12–24-month roadmaps, together with monitoring, evaluation and learning systems. It explains how to select and communicate economic evidence, develop an investment case where appropriate, mobilize sustainable financing, and protect public health policy-making from conflicts of interest and commercial interference.

The guidance extends beyond national action. It shows how the five SAFER intervention areas can be adapted by provinces, districts, municipalities and communities through the connected strategies of Implement, Monitor and Protect. It also includes guidance for workplaces and institutions seeking to align staff health, safety, events, procurement and partnerships with public health objectives. Designed for government officials, WHO offices, United Nations partners, local authorities, civil society, researchers and public health practitioners, the handbook includes adaptable templates, checklists, examples and case studies. It can be used as a complete implementation pathway or as a menu from which users select components relevant to their context, capacity and stage of alcohol policy development.