The Seychelles Government on Monday launched a new campaign to reduce alcohol abuse and help families cope with the problem. Health and Social Development Minister Marie-Pierre Lloyd launched the campaign in the capital Victoria under the theme of “Think Twice”.
She said at least 60% of hospital beds in the male medical wards have patients suffering from physical illnesses linked to alcohol abuse.
Some 35% of those persons who come for treatment at the psychiatric hospital experience psychoses due to excessive alcohol consumption, she said.
She said there has been a rise in the number of cases of domestic violence and abuses of all forms including sexual ones due to drinking problems.
The campaign will give information on acceptable limits of alcohol use for male and female adults, she added.
Education Minister Bernard Shamlaye, Social Development principal secretary Anne Lafortune and Public Health commissioner Jude Gedeon participated in the launch of the campaign.
Representatives of the World Health Organization, Seychelles Breweries, Seychelles Police and youth organizations also attended the launch.
Source African Press Agency
