The Note was reviewed and endorsed by the Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Board of the Bank and circulated widely for review and comments within IFC, MIGA and the Bank. This Note reflects the consensus reached by the task force and is fully endorsed by staff and Management of the World Bank Group. The Note begins with an overview of trends in world alcohol consumption and the status of World Bank Group involvement in alcohol-related projects. It then reviews the economic benefits of such projects, discusses the health and social concerns associated with alcohol abuse, and notes public policy options to prevent or reduce alcohol-related problems. The Note discusses future World Bank Group involvement in this area, and clarifies the current IFC and MIGA conditions and criteria for supporting alcohol-related projects.
Several annexes provide additional data and background information.
Worldwide consumption of alcohol beverages averages about five liters of pure alcohol per person per year, and has been relatively constant over the last 20 years, although consumption levels are rising in many developing countries. Importantly, the data on developing countries most likely underestimate actual alcohol consumption, since they generally ignore artisanal production and smuggled beverages. In some cultures, alcohol is used and valued as a means to improve sociability and mood, as a beverage and as an intoxicant. Cultures and social groups within a culture vary widely in the emphasis on particular uses, resulting in different patterns of drinking. Recently there has been interest in its potential value in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease in older males.