WHO study: Russians drink less than Germans

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), Russia is making massive strides in the fight against alcohol. Consumption has fallen from 2003 to 2016 by 43 percent, the WHO said on Tuesday. At the same time, life expectancy has increased dramatically.

"We are destroying a cliché of Russia here," says WHO expert Carina Ferreira-Borges, referring to the nation that consumed a particularly high level of alcohol consumption worldwide.

In 2003, for example, every Russian consumed an average of 20.4 liters of pure alcohol. In 2016, it was 11.7 liters. In the meantime, people in Russia are drinking less alcohol than in Germany: In this country, consumption was 13.4 liters of pure alcohol in 2016. However, alcohol consumption in Russia has not dropped further in recent years.

As the WHO reports, men in Russia drink on average significantly more alcohol than women. In 2016, it was 18.7 liters of pure alcohol for men and 5.8 liters for women.

"The numbers are very clear and a consequence of various political initiatives," says Ferreira-Borges. Russia has successfully introduced minimum prices for alcohol, higher taxes and a nocturnal ban on sales. Although consumption remains one of the highest in the world. Nevertheless, Russia can now serve as a role model for other states with its policy of combating high mortality from alcohol consumption.

Life expectancy increased significantly

The connection between a successful anti-alcohol policy and rising life expectancy is clearly demonstrated by the example of Russia, said the scientist. Life expectancy reached a historic high of 68 for men and 78 for women, according to the WHO study. Compared to 2003, life expectancy for men has thus increased by nine years, and for women by six. Of course, according to the WHO, this is not just about alcohol consumption, but from the point of view of the agency, it is a decisive factor.

The evaluated data sets showed once again the deadly consequences of alcohol consumption, Ferreira-Borges said. WHO has long pointed out that alcohol is the cause of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Even accidents and killing crimes under the influence of alcohol are listed by the experts as dangerous consequences of consumption.