File photo shows locals attending a celebration in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Oct. 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian cabinet has approved implementation of a national alcohol policy meant to curb alcohol abuse in the southern African nation, a government spokesperson said Wednesday.

Dora Siliya, Chief Government Spokesperson, said cabinet approved the policy during its sitting on Monday as it was concerned with high levels of alcohol abuse in the country.

She told reporters during a weekly press briefing that alcohol abuse in Zambia had reached disproportional levels, with a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating that 22 percent of women in the country drunk excessively.

The policy will be followed by the introduction of legislation to ensure effective implementation, she added.

While acknowledging that the country has other regulations dealing with alcohol, alcohol abuse had continued unabated and that concerted efforts were required to curb the problem.