AngoSAP launched the first multi-regional study in Angola on the prevalence and risk factors of alcoholism, coordinated by Dr Juan Abreu Payrol. The initiative brings together universities, government institutions and technology partners to generate representative data and strengthen local training.
AngoSAP Marks Milestone in Alcoholism Research in Angola with Multiregional Project
Luanda, 17 April 2025 - AngoSAP, Development of Psychological and Psycho-pedagogical Care Services in Angolan Universities, an Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Commission, has reached a key milestone in its mission by organising a study on alcoholism in Angola with the official launch of its project. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Alcoholism in Angola: A Multiregional Approach. This initiative, coordinated by PhD. Juan Abreu Payrol, not only represents an unprecedented scientific breakthrough in the country, but also lays the groundwork for sustainable solutions and effective public policies to address this social problem.
A Transformative Project
The study, the first of its kind in Angola, brought together researchers from 6 national universities, other government institutions such as the Talatona Municipal Administration and the Centre for Integrated Support to Victims of Violence (CAIVVVITA) in a historic meeting on 17 April, as well as project partners such as Eureka-GC who have been collaborating as technology and project management advisors since 2022.
Its multidisciplinary and multi-regional approach (in six provinces) will ensure representative data for:
- Identify critical consumption patterns.
- Strengthen the training of local human resources (with emphasis on masters and doctorates).
- Contribute national prevention and treatment strategies.
«This project not only generates evidence; it is a bridge between academia, government and society for concrete actions against alcoholism,» PhD Payrol said during the meeting.
Sustainability and Continuity
The agreements reached guarantee the continuity of the project in the long term:
- Strategic allianceswith WHO, companies and NGOs for funding.
- Replicable methodology: Use of the protocol AUDIT, adapted to the Angolan context.
- Local training: Integration of students and professionals in research, ensuring academic legacy.
Steps taken
- 24 April: Formation of the final list of participants by institutions and training plans.
- Week of 21-26 April: Meeting with CAIVVITA for methodological exchange.
- Mass dissemination: Design of TikTok and TV campaigns for social awareness.
Why it is a Milestone
- Scientist: First national database on alcoholism disaggregated by age, gender and region.
- Social: It links research with practical interventions (e.g. policies in health centres).
- Institutional: Strengthens the AngoSAP network as a public health reference in Lusophone Africa.
«The sustainability of this project lies in its ability to turn data into real actions that improve lives,» said India Rubio Vargas, PhD, General Coordinator of AngoSAP Angola.
«The meeting culminated with a coffee break offered by AngoSAP UÓR, where researchers, coordinators and institutional representatives took the opportunity to discuss key issues such as the integration of social and health data, as well as possible collaboration agreements with local companies to finance pilot interventions”.
«This informal dialogue space not only reinforced the collective commitment to the project, but also laid the groundwork for new strategic partnerships that will amplify its impact in the fight against alcoholism in Angola. A closing that symbolises the union between science and community to transform realities”.