WHO Warns Alcohol Drives One-Third of Injury Deaths in Europe

WHO Warns Alcohol Drives One-Third of Injury Deaths in Europe
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Alcohol is linked to one in three deaths caused by injury and violence across the WHO European Region, representing a serious public health challenge, especially during holiday seasons when drinking rates increase, the World Health Organization has warned.

In a new factsheet drawing on 2019 data, WHO/Europe reported that nearly 145,000 injury-related deaths were attributable to alcohol use. These deaths included cases of self-harm, road traffic accidents and falls. The agency stressed that no other psychoactive substance contributes as significantly to both intentional and unintentional injuries.

WHO/Europe noted that the region records the highest levels of alcohol consumption worldwide. Overall, alcohol use is estimated to cause about 800,000 deaths annually in the region, accounting for roughly one in every 11 deaths. Officials emphasized that many alcohol-related injuries are preventable through effective public health measures.