Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya says his ministry will work with the civil society and other stakeholders to come up with an alcohol policy aim at regulating its abuse.

Dr. Chilufya says President Edgar Lungu’s speech to parliament that strongly condemned alcohol abuse is timely as reports indicate that rising cases of mental illnesses among youths are due to substance abuse.

Speaking to ZNBC news in an interview, Dr. Chilufya said he will work closely with the ministry of Local Government and ministry of religious affairs and national guidance among others to ensure the policy is firm.

On Friday during his state of the nation address to Parliament, President Lungu directed relevant line government ministries to coordinate and ensure alcohol abuse in the country is brought to a stop.

President Lungu said the rate at which alcohol is being abused among the youth in the country is worrisome and should be addressed immediately.