Alcohol policy development in Sierra Leone: An assessment of the role of civil society

Abstract

Objective: To assess the value addition of civil society collaboration with Government in the development of Sierra Leone’s National Alcohol Policy (NAP). Policy Development Process: We reviewed the entire process of lobby, advocacy, and support for the development of the NAP from 2015 when the Siera Leone Alcohol Policy Alliance (SLAPA) was formed to the launch of the NAP in 2023. It also assesses the level of collaboration between FoRUT, SLAPA and Ministry of Health of Health and Sanitation (MoHS). The MoHS coordinated the policy formulation process with substantive technical support from civil society. Results: The quality of the NAP was rated high as it reflected appropriate policy areas and interventions from the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, the WHO SAFER initiative, and the Global Action Plan for Alcohol Control (202-2030). The NAP is a solid reference material for the development of a new alcohol bill. MoHS recognized FoRUT and SLAPA as the national champions for alcohol control in the country. FoRUT, directly and through SLAPA influenced the process of developing the NAP and its quality through advocacy, collaboration and technical and financial support. Conclusions: The development of the NAP in Sierra Leone truly reflects civil society-government collaboration, built on mutual trust and a common health and development agenda. Connecting national level lobby and advocacy with regional global advocacy actions to prioritize, influence, support, and monitor the alcohol control agenda is a critical catalyst for civil society to advancing the development of NAPs.