In recent years, a greater number of countries have been providing increasingly concise data, allowing WHO to create a more comprehensive picture of the global situation on alcohol use and its health consequences. However, many gaps remain in the data, so a detailed exact picture cannot be clearly drawn for all countries and regions. This information is critical for monitoring progress in reducing the harmful use of alcohol at all levels and, since endorsement of the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol by World Health Assembly, for monitoring and evaluation of progress made in implementation of the global strategy. The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on the worldwide, regional and country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in Member States. It represents a continuing effort by WHO to support Member States with global information in their efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and its health and social consequences.