WHO agrees to tackle alcohol misuse, binge drinking

GENEVA May 20 (Reuters) - Health ministers on Thursday approved a strategy aimed at curbing binge drinking and other growing forms of excessive alcohol use through higher taxes on alcoholic drinks and tighter marketing regulations.

The global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol was adopted by consensus at the annual assembly of the World Health Organisation's 193 member states.

The recommendations, drawn up after two years of WHO debate, are not binding but serve as guidance to member countries. Many delegations broke into applause after their approval.

The United Nations agency estimates 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 percent of all deaths. It is the third leading risk factor for premature deaths and disabilities worldwide.

"The harmful use of alcohol has a serious effect on public health and is considered to be one of the main risk factors for poor health globally," the WHO strategy document says. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Mark Heinrich)