rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Health
For the first time in 2009, the Ministry of
Health nominated a health education and
promotion officer to attend the PDARN
meeting held in Vanuatu. This provided the
opportunity to engage the delegate in regional
discussions regarding substance use
issues and discuss planning for future interventions.
The Ministry has identified the
following priorities: providing advice on
quantity and consumption; education and
awareness raising on impacts; and sharing
information with stakeholders, including the
non-communicable diseases strategic plan
(risk factors). The current lack of reporting
on alcohol-related deaths and accidents
has been identified as a concern, in addition
to the inability to accurately document
social harms. 916
Regulation
Tuvalu has recently ratified the PICTA and is
in the process of implementing reforms for
future trade under the agreement. 917 The Alcohol
and Liquor Board Committee regulates
alcohol use in issuing licences for sales and
prohibiting sale to minors. 918 The Committee
also has the power to confirm renewal
or transfer of licences and to remove, cancel
or suspend them. 919 In the 12-month period
prior to the July 2009 PDARN meeting, the
Committee investigated compliance with the
licensing regime and undertook an alcohol
awareness-raising workshop. There are limits
imposed on the consumption of alcohol
outside licensed premises. 920
187
916 Tuvalu Ministry of Health presentation to 4th PDARN meeting, Vanuatu, July 2009.
917 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, press statement, 28 April 2008. Available at:
(accessed December 2008).
918 Key contact questionnaire, January 2009.
919 Tuvalu Ministry of Health presentation to 4th PDARN meeting, Vanuatu, July 2009.
920 Tuvalu Key Facts, World Travel Guide, available at: (accessed
December 2009).
Tuvalu