PHNOM PENH: The growing trend of alcohol consumption among young Cambodians, especially those aged 15 to 18, has raised serious concerns over non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Implementation of Laws and Regulations Related to Advertising of Alcohol Products in the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Or Vandine, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the increase alarming rate of alcohol consumption among young people.

The event, held in Phnom Penh, brought together around 1,000 participants, including government officials, advertisers and influencers, to discuss the country’s advertising regulations.

“Alcohol is harmful to health from the first drink, and there is no safe level of alcohol consumption because it contains ethanol,” Vandine explained.

She pointed out that ethanol can lead to addiction, nerve damage, violence and an increase in non-communicable diseases. Citing research, she noted that alcohol-related deaths account for 4.7% of all deaths.

Research by the US National Institutes of Health has identified the liver as the first organ affected by ethanol, which can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis. In 48% of these cases, the disease progresses to liver cancer, with a mortality rate of 66.8%.

Other common problems include pancreatic damage, mouth and throat cancers, gastrointestinal inflammation or cancer, motor vehicle accidents, and violence.

The 2021-2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) found that alcohol consumption in the country is widespread, with no significant difference between urban and rural areas.

It reveals that 70% of men and 16% of women consumed alcohol in the month preceding the survey.

The 2023 Cambodia NCD Risk Study found that 50% of people aged 18-69 had consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days, including 71.2% males and 26%. 5% women in this age group.

Notably, 30.6% of drinkers were young people aged 15 to 18. Vandine raised concerns about the upward trend.

“We must act together to fight NCDs. Previously, these diseases mainly affected the elderly, but now they affect young people,” she said.

She warned that if no action is taken between 2025 and 2030, consumption will increase significantly.

Vandine pointed out that since 1982, alcohol consumption had increased slowly until it increased significantly after 2010, reaching alarming levels in 2019.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cambodians aged 15 and over consumed an average of 16.2 liters of pure alcohol per year in 2019 – 21.8 liters for men and 8.1 liters for women. women.

In addition to its health effects, alcohol consumption also has economic consequences for individuals and families.

“One person spends $486 a year on alcohol, and for the four million people over the age of 15, that’s $1.944 billion a year,” Vandine said.

Regarding health care costs, she added that alcohol-related cancers cost $283 million a year, strokes $56 million, heart attacks $22.5 million and poor health mental health $48 million.

Phos Sovann, director general of the ministry’s information and broadcast services and member of the Alcohol Control Working Group (ACWG), supported responsible drinking, recognizing from the outset that alcohol is harmful.

“Alcohol consumption should be guided by three principles: avoiding contempt and neglect, drinking according to occasions and maintaining a balance for health and social relationships,” he said.

Information Minister and ACWG President Neth Pheaktra spoke at a workshop on the alcohol industry’s ‘goodwill’ campaign on October 10.

He noted that the country’s beer market has grown significantly, thereby boosting the economy. However, he said, even though sales are recovering, they have not reached pre-pandemic levels.

There are currently seven major breweries in Cambodia, five owned by local companies and two owned by foreign companies.

“In 2023, domestic production provided 98% of the 1.1 billion liters of beer consumed, with imports accounting for only 11 million liters,” Pheaktra said.

Beer accounts for 88% of the alcohol market, driven by low-cost options, more than in other ASEAN countries.

A 2022 Kirin Holding study found that Cambodians consume an average of 72.2 liters of beer per person per year.

The beer industry contributes to tax revenue, job creation and GDP growth, with the number of jobs increasing from 3,393 in 2019 to 4,803 in 2023.

“Factors that motivate Cambodians to drink more beer include its affordability, a wide variety of brands, a legal framework to control the production, distribution and consumption of alcohol that is not yet very strict and customs and lifestyles associated with beer The beer strategy is very comprehensive and competitive,” explained Pheaktra.

He highlighted the need for responsible marketing as alcohol-related harm rises, noting that the country’s beer market is fueled by affordable prices, a variety of brands and lax regulations on drinking. alcohol.

The minister stressed the importance of balancing economic growth and social responsibility. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN