Alcohol Use Disorders (78) The role of the alcohol industry (9) Alcohol consumption in different countries (2)

22 February, 2024

Dear Neil,

Thank you for sharing the comprehensive report detailing alcohol consumption trends in Uruguay, Malawi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Indonesia. It was enlightening to gain insights into the varying dynamics of alcohol use across different regions.

In particular, I found the study from Malawi intriguing, despite its age, as it provides valuable insights into alcohol consumption patterns in neighboring Southern African countries like Zimbabwe. The parallels drawn between rising alcohol consumption and its correlation with crime, violence, and public disorder in Nigeria resonate with the challenges faced by many African nations.

Presence of strong, legally binding alcohol policies is key as they not only contribute to effective alcohol control but also serve to mitigate the influence of alcohol industry lobbying—a concern that plagues many African countries where robust policies are often lacking.

I want to extend my appreciation to everyone contributing to the discussion on Alcohol Use Disorders. Your insights and perspectives enrich our understanding of this complex issue and pave the way for meaningful dialogue and collective action.

Kind regards,

Enock

HIFA profile: Enock Musungwini is a distinguished public health professional, health management consultant, and development practitioner currently serving as a Programme Manager (Consultant) for an NGO called Pangaea Zimbabwe under the Wild4Life Health program responsible for program management, oversight, supervision, coordination, and leadership. He holds an MSc in Public Health with a Research award from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), achieved under the prestigious British Chevening scholarship (2018-19 cohort). His educational background also includes a Master’s in Business Administration, BSc Hons in Psychology, Diploma in Nursing Science, Diploma in Public Relations and Communication, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Management and Leadership. Enock actively serve as a Reference Group Committee member for the Africa Evidence Network, Steering Committee member for the International Network for Government Science Advice Africa Chapter, member of the Consortium for Universities of Global Health and Country Representative for Healthcare Information for All (HIFA).

Enock has received numerous accolades including being appointed Brand Ambassador and receiving the Growth and Innovation award for Pangaea Zimbabwe (June 2023), Country Representative of the Year by HIFA (April 2023), Chevening Volunteers Gold Award by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (June 2019), and the Zimbabwe Achievers Chairman’s Award (Nov 2019). His academic excellence is reflected in awards such as the Amanda Jacklyn Berger Prize for his MSc Research project by LSHTM (Feb 2020) and the Marie Stopes Clinics Champion Award (Jan 2017). Enock's dedication to personal development led to his nomination for Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Zimbabwe under the Personal Improvement Category by Junior Chamber International (Oct 2019). Enock Musungwini has made presentations at national, regional, and international conferences and contributed significantly to public health discourse through his blogs and opinion pieces on various topics.