This article assesses progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan target of a 10% relative reduction in the harmful use of alcohol in sub‑Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2019. Using validated WHO Global Information System on Alcohol and Health (GISAH) data from 45 countries, the authors analysed trends in alcohol per capita consumption (APC) and heavy episodic drinking (HED), with particular emphasis on consumption among people who drink rather than population averages.
The study finds that sub‑Saharan Africa is not on track to meet the WHO reduction target. At the regional level, APC among drinkers increased by nearly 5%, while HED prevalence remained extremely high and largely stable. These aggregate trends mask pronounced subregional and country-level variation. Central Africa was the only subregion to demonstrate meaningful declines, with APC per‑drinker falling by almost 20% and modest reductions in HED. Nevertheless, this subregion continued to report the highest levels of heavy episodic drinking overall.
Elsewhere, trends were mixed or worsening. Eastern Africa recorded the largest increases in consumption among drinkers, while Southern and Western Africa showed relatively little change. At the country level, one‑third of countries met or exceeded the reduction target, but nearly half experienced increases, including substantial rises in Ethiopia, Seychelles, and Comoros.
Weak alcohol policy frameworks, limited enforcement, and strong alcohol industry expansion are identified as key contextual factors shaping these trends. Overall, the findings underscore the urgency of stronger, context‑specific alcohol policy aligned with public health and development goals.
Recommended citation:
Burton, R., Harker, N., Kaneka, B., Kyei-Arthur, F., Mitchell, G., Odeigah, O. W., Parry, C., Theron, M., & Tumwesigye, N. M. (2026). Assessing progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan alcohol reduction target in Sub-Saharan Africa 2010–2019. International Journal of Drug Policy, 152, 105257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105257