rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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Health
In 2003, alcohol was identified as a major
concern for Palau, resulting in the announcement
of ‘Drunk Driving Prevention Month’
in December. Alcohol abuse was identified
as a primary cause of serious car crashes and
violent crimes. 550 In 2005, September was
declared ‘Alcohol and Addiction Recovery
Month’ as a celebration of individuals in
recovery, their families and service providers. 551
At the time, a treatment centre was handling
51 cases, the majority in treatment due to
court orders, 552 which could be categorised
as a drug diversion program. Finally, during
preparation of the 2008 UNGASS report,
health officials noted plans to standardise
survey techniques to allow international
comparative analysis. 553
Regulation
The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol
noted that Palau had a licensing regime limiting
days and places of sale, and imposing
age restrictions for purchasing and on consumption
settings. Otherwise, few limits
applied and notably there were no restrictions
on sponsorship of sporting events and
advertising. 554 The legal drinking age in Palau
is 21 years. 555
Non-government organisations
The Palau Community Action Agency (PCAA)
is an interim member of the PIANGO. 556
The PCAA uses participatory learning and
action working with people to identify their
needs and then mobilise resources to meet
those needs. Activities target women, youth
and rural residents and include: community
development, disaster relief, and health,
among others. 557 While no specific programs
targeting alcohol and other drugs were identified,
there may be scope to include such
initiatives in current programs of work.
550 Palau’s Justice Minister Michael J. Rosenthal, Alcohol a serious problem in Palau, Pacnews,
19 June 2003.
551 Palau’s President Tommy Remengesau, Focus on alcohol, addiction recovery, Palau Horizon/PNS,
19 September 2005.
552 Ibid., reference by Mr Marinelli to the Bedochel Treatment Center.
553 Above, fn.493.
554 Above, fn.533.
555 International Center for Alcohol Policies, Minimum Age Limits Worldwide: table available at:
(accessed April 2009).
556 PIANGO available at: (accessed
March 2009).
557 Pacific Development Directory. Wellington, New Zealand: Development Resource Centre.