Abstract

Utilizing secularism theory, this paper examines the harmful effects of alcohol consumption in African countries. The paper finds that alcohol consumption is more prevalent in Southern, Eastern and Middle Africa, accounting for 11 of the top 12 countries in Africa with the highest per capita of pure alcohol consumption: Seychelles, 9.48 liters; Tanzania, 7.81 liters; Eswatini, 7.68 liters; Burkina Faso (Western Africa), 7.28 liters; South Africa, 7.21 liters; Uganda, 6.82 liters; Gabon, 6.47 liters; Rwanda, 6.35 liters; Equatorial Guinea, 6.11 liters; Botswana, 5.98 liters; Angola, 5.84 liters; and the Republic of Congo, 5.74 liters. Some of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption in African countries presented in the paper include: death, cardiovascular diseases, HIV infections, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, breast cancer risk, spread of sexually transmitted diseases, poor medication adherence, physical fights, depression, and debt. Some recommendations presented in the paper include increasing the legal age limit of alcohol consumption in African countries to 21 years or over, and implementation of social media campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

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