News release: “Worldwide, 3.3 million deaths in 2012 were due to harmful use of alcohol, says a new report launched by WHO today. Alcohol consumption can not only lead to dependence but also increases people’s risk of developing more than 200 diseases including liver cirrhosis and some cancers. In addition, harmful drinking can lead to violence and injuries. The report also finds that harmful use of alcohol makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The “Global status report on alcohol and health 2014″ provides country profiles for alcohol consumption in the 194 WHO Member States, the impact on public health and policy responses…Some countries are already strengthening measures to protect people. These include increasing taxes on alcohol, limiting the availability of alcohol by raising the age limit, and regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages.”