Saying that the "harmful use of alcohol causes serious public-health problems," the World Health Organization (WHO) says it will devise an international plan to address issues like binge drinking and alcohol marketing, Reuters reported May 22.

The plan would be veiled in two years and include advice on alcohol marketing, pricing, distribution, and public awareness, WHO officials said. A similar strategy on tobacco use resulted in a global treaty calling for stronger warning labels for cigarettes and limits on tobacco advertising.

WHO said that alcohol problems cause 3.7 percent of all mortality worldwide and a host of social problems. "Drinking to intoxication and heavy episodic drinking are frequent among adolescents and young adults, and the negative impact of alcohol use is greater in younger age groups of both sexes," the agency noted.

The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance praised the WHO announcement but said that the alcohol industry should not be allowed to influence the report. The Global Alcohol Producers Group said it planned to work with WHO to reduce "irresponsible and inappropriate consumption."