South Africa: Non-alcoholic beer required by government to decrease suicide rate

The government of South Africa is having discussions with the alcohol industry about producing a non-alcoholic beer, Daily News reported on September 14.

"The industry is very positive, especially when it comes to targeting the youth. The idea is to save lives," said the national Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, after opening ceremony of the International Association on Suicide Prevention at the Durban International Convention Centre on September 13.

Alcohol abuse is one of the many causes of suicide and attempted suicide. The minister told delegates from around the world the government was finalising regulations on the promotion of alcohol products.

The government wanted to ensure that the country's children were not exposed to alcohol promotion and also wanted to make sure the general population was aware of the negative consequences of the irresponsible use of alcohol.

One plan was to put a warning on beer bottles explaining to consumers the irresponsible use of alcohol was dangerous. The messages the government planned to use on bottles had been published for comment and most of the industry was "really supportive" about the plan, she said.

Dr Jose Bertolote of the World Health Organisation said one million lives a year were lost to suicide around the world - more than those from wars, traffic accidents and murders.

That was one death every 40 seconds and one suicide attempt every one or two seconds.

16 September, 2005