Draft:Taiwan No Alcohol Day

• Comment: Secondary, independent, reliable sources are required. Utopes _{(talk / cont)} 23:38, 14 August 2024 (UTC)

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Taiwan No Alcohol Day Introduction: Taiwan No Alcohol Day is observed annually on May 9th to promote awareness about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, particularly in the context of the high prevalence of alcohol intolerance in Taiwan. This day is part of a broader effort to reduce alcohol-related harm in the country, including risks of cancer, mental health issues, and alcohol dependence.

History and Origin: Taiwan No Alcohol Day was established in 2019 by the Taiwan Alcohol Intolerance Education Society (TAIES). The date, May 9th, was chosen as a linguistic play on words in Mandarin: "May" (五, wu) and "no" (無, wu) sound similar, as do "nine" (九, jiou) and "alcohol" (酒, jiu). The day was created to raise public awareness about the dangers of alcohol, particularly given that nearly 49% of the Taiwanese population is affected by aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency, which impairs the body's ability to metabolize alcohol effectively..

Health Risks Highlighted: One of the significant concerns addressed on Taiwan No Alcohol Day is the risk of cancer associated with alcohol consumption. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has linked alcohol to several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. ALDH2 deficiency, prevalent among nearly half of the Taiwanese population, further elevates these risks, as those with the deficiency cannot effectively metabolize alcohol, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen​.

Activities and Observances: The Ministry of Health and Welfare, along with TAIES, marks this day with a series of public health campaigns. These include health lectures, awareness events, and consultations aimed at educating the public about the risks of alcohol consumption. In recent years, efforts have also focused on addressing binge drinking, especially among young adults, and promoting support for those struggling with alcohol dependency​.

Impact: Since its inception, Taiwan No Alcohol Day has played a crucial role in bringing attention to the public health issues related to alcohol. It has helped to foster greater awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption and encouraged healthier lifestyle choices across Taiwan​. Taiwan No Alcohol Day continues to serve as a platform for educating the public about the health risks of alcohol, particularly reaching out to a population with a high prevalence of alcohol intolerance. As it gains traction in Taiwan, the promotion of May 9th as No Alcohol Day has gained support from the government. In order to promote awareness of Taiwan No Alcohol Day, the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare has partnered with local hospitals, colleges, and TAIES to hold a national press conference on the topic of alcohol intolerance