The WHO estimated that risks linked to alcohol cause 2.5 million deaths a year from heart and liver disease, road accidents, suicides and various cancers, 3.8 per cent of all deaths. It is the third leading risk factor for premature deaths and disabilities worldwide. The WHO also reported approximately 320,000 people between the ages of 15 and 29 died as a direct result of alcohol in 2004 alone.

In the 24-page report, WHO warned that alcohol was being marketed through increasingly sophisticated advertising and promotion techniques. According to the report, many governments were failing to sufficiently prevent and reduce alcohol abuse, and that the increased affordability of beer, wine and spirits in poorer countries compelled action.

The World Health Organization also suggested during the WHA at Geneva, to limit harm done from any violence arising from alcohol abuse, the health agency called for alcohol to be served in plastic mugs or shatter-proof glass. However, Global Alcohol Producers Group have been opposed to some of these restrictions, saying alcohol producers do not aim to promote harmful drinking.