The World Health Organization (WHO) will organize a web-based public hearing to explore ways of reducing harmful use of alcohol, the UN agency said on Thursday.

“The harmful use of alcohol is a leading risk factor for premature death and disability in the world,” said Ala Alwan, WHO assistant director-general for noncommunicable diseases and mental health.

“Every year at least 2.3 million people die from alcohol-related causes,” Alwan added.

He said the web-based public hearing would be broad and inclusive, and would provide an opportunity for everyone to present their views on effective strategies to reduce the burden resulting from the harmful use of alcohol.

According to the statement, contributions will be posted on a WHO web site dedicated to the hearing.

The submissions can form a part of the documentation to be considered and discussed at a series of WHO meetings planned between November and April 2009.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet