FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
26th February 2024 

The new Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol (CAIA) has launched an innovative multi-channel campaign to tackle the consumption of illicit or illegal spirits, commonly known as junta, in Zambia. The focus of the campaign is empowerment and friendship, inviting all Zambians to think about how they can take action to support their friends, their communities, and themselves to make better choices and say no to junta.

The Coalition brings together a diverse array of organizations that represent the best of Zambian society, including the Church, community-based organizations, public health organizations, research and academia, private industry, community media, and the UN system, among others. Co-chaired by Dr. Christopher Kalila MP and Prof. Myriam Sidibé, the Coalition’s objective is to “build a social movement that will transform Zambia by curbing the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol – especially low-cost, high-ABV illicit spirits – galvanizing communities, families, and individual citizens to take a stand.”

The Coalition’s charter clarifies the group’s focus:

“The long-lasting impact of the consumption of illicit spirits poses an immense risk to the future growth and prosperity of Zambia, as it cuts down the productivity, purpose, and hope of the largest demographic group in our nation: our youth. We, as concerned citizens and residents of Zambia, cannot stand idly by while over 70% of young people ruin their health and lives by consuming illicit alcohol on a regular basis.

Addressing this challenge requires all of us. It requires renewed political will. It requires companies and industries to overcome their commercial differences and put their voices and resources together. It requires civil society, religious institutions, and traditional leaders to reach communities and everyday Zambians to join this movement. It requires academics and the public health sector to work with non-traditional partners to create holistic solutions. This challenge truly requires all of us.”

Coalition Co-Chair Dr. Kalila noted, “I attended an event held by the Center for Primary Care Research in November when they released the results of a study they conducted on illicit alcohol use in Zambia, and I found the results deeply worrying. If so many people are regularly drinking junta to the point where they are no longer able to function normally, what does this mean for the future of our nation?” The Rise Above campaign aims to help people across Zambia see that they have the power to take control of their own future by rising above the temptation to drink junta.

The “Rise Above” campaign launched on 21 February with a series of radio messages and many more exciting and important stories and activations to come. “We are ready to change Zambia,” says Prof. Sidibé, “and we need as many organizations, companies, and citizens as possible to join us as we fight for the health and well-being of this incredible nation. It’s only through our combined strength, friendship, and collective action that we can make a difference and #RiseAbove.”