WC appeals to the public to use alcohol responsibly over festive season
The provincial Department of Health launched its festive readiness plan at Red Cross Children's Hospital on Thursday.
CAPE TOWN - As the festive season approaches, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has appealed to the public to use alcohol responsibly.
The department launched its festive readiness plan at Red Cross Children's Hospital on Thursday.
Chief Operating Officer for the Department, Doctor Saadiq Kariem, says alcohol plays a huge role in contributing to trauma-related injuries, especially during the festive period.
"We know that alcohol is the third largest contributor to mortality and disability. That's third after the first two which are STIs and interpersonal violence."
Kariem says alcohol-related trauma also costs the healthcare sector billions every year.
"From data that we've known from previous studies in 2009, the healthcare costs associated with alcohol were around R12 billion. If you translate that into 2024 rands, it will probably be around R37 to R40 billion."
Kariem says alcohol is also often related to an increase in homicides over the festive season.