Summary: Alcohol is the number three contributor to the burden of disease worldwide so must remain a priority health promotion issue internationally. Malaysia is a Muslim country and alcohol-related harm was not seen as a priority until recently, because it only affects a minority of the population. Sabah has more than 30 different ethnic groups, and alcohol has a traditional role in the cultural practices of many of these groups. In 2009, the Intervention Group for Alcohol Misuse (IGAM) was formed, under the umbrella of Mercy Malaysia by a group of healthcare workers, academics, members of the Clergy and people who were previously alcohol-dependent concerned about the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. IGAM in collaboration with other bodies have organized public seminars, visited villages and schools, encouraged the formation of a support group and trained healthcare professionals in health promotion intervention. The focus later changed to empowering communities to find solutions to alcohol-related harm in their community in a way which is sensitive to their culture. A standard tool-kit was developed using WHO materials as a guide. Village committees were formed and adapted the toolkit according to their needs. This strategy has been shown to be effective, in that 90% of the 20 committees formed are actively and successfully involved in health promotion to reduce alcohol-related harm in their communities.
Matched MeSH terms: Alcoholism/prevention & control
Most of the features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have been replicated in experimental models. They provide an insight into the effects of alcohol on the developing embryo, however, satisfactory explanations for these effects are still not available. Certain maternal characteristics of children with FAS have been identified. However, it is not absolute as at times the most unlikely women are susceptible to problems of maternal alcoholism. The levels of awareness of FAS among the general public and health workers are inadequate. Measures need to be taken to remedy this condition.
Matched MeSH terms: Alcoholism/prevention & control