"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Why should G20 add their weight to the health tax

By 2030, non -communication diseases will probably be calculated 75 % All deaths yearly. Eight percent of them will probably be in the worldwide south. Most of those diseases we are saying Silent murderer: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, in addition to some sorts of cancer at a quick age.

The use of high sugar drinks and processed foods in sugar, salt and saturated fat is providing these pandemic diseases. And rapid promoting is being viewed because the source that promotes the consumption of unhealthy products. It is translated into the event of non -communication diseases throughout the world. This growing risk is widely operated in a way that arranges markets and industries, which in turn creates social principles by consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugar beverages.

This process is what is understood Health's Commercial Commitment.

Products which might be at the highest of the list when it comes to their risk of precision TobaccoFor, for, for,. Sugar drinksFor, for, for,. Ultra processed food And Vintage.

These products are highly publicized. For example, from 2013 to 2019, in South Africa, sugar beverage makers spent US $ 191 million (R3.7 billion). Advertise Their products. Many TV ads for diabetes beverages were kept from 3pm to 7pm through the time of viewing children and family.

Over the past decade, many countries have introduced policies to limit using harmful food and beverages and limit their amount. It is from some products, corresponding to tax on Chinese, alcohol and tobacco. Many people have been effective. But there are still major differences in policies to manage these harmful products.

As a specialist who has researched this sector for 3 a long time, we consider that the G20 can play a vital role in plugging these gulfs. Countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent Two -thirds of the world's populationThe reason to process, is: all are experiencing obesity -related disease corresponding to growing burden Diabetes, hypertension and cancer Always in age.

South Africa's G20 House is one among the president's health preferences “To give rise to a wave of non -communication diseases“. In our view that is an invite for G20 Promise To deal with drivers of non -communication diseases.

The G20 can recognize that these diseases are a part of a pathological system through which business actors are causing health deterioration. And the G20 leaders can recognize that in most countries the progress of imposing health taxes is stagnant.

By focusing in this manner, G20 can provide a stimulus to 1 High -level UN meeting in 2025 Which has to set a brand new vision for the control and prevention of non -communication diseases. Health tax and marketing is banned Fox Areas.

Does what's standing in the way in which of development

The efforts of various countries to stop the consumption of those harmful products have clearly shown one thing: there is no such thing as a silver pill.

Anyway, Evidence reveals That consumers are liable for the value. This indicates the incontrovertible fact that tax is a key means for young consumers, especially for young consumers.



There can be Rising evidence These health taxes are progressive for health on the population level – in other words they lead to higher health results. Research also shows that they're rarely affected Jobs overallIf in no way.

But progress on alcohol and tobacco taxes is slow. And there was little progress on taxes on sugar drinks.

These taxes are low since the health taxes are facing strong resistance from the industry. When any tax promotion tax is proposed, industries Disadvantages of disadvantagesFor, for, for,. Promote doubts, turn attention, spread dislike, create front organizationsAnd diversify their status through corporate social responsibility measures.

When taxes proceed through laws or regulatory processes, The industry affects tips Making them less efficient. They also offer voluntary guarantees to vary the laws. Evidence reveals Volunteer promises don't work.

What will probably be achieved?

In 2024, a report of a panel of experts This showed If the costs of tobacco, alcohol and sugar and sugar beverages have increased by 50 % in all countries, additional revenue can generate US $ 3.7 trillion in five years.

This amount is in dire need to advertise health care. Non -communication diseases are most poorer and weak and unable to affect the health care system. Screening, diagnosis, medicine and treatment may be very expensive for each the Ministry of Finance and on the domestic level, where Health needs can result in destructive costs.

And taxes that produce a 50 % increase The real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugar beverages will save 50 million lives globally.

Where to start out from where

We consider that the G20 platform is a sound on which efforts are made to stop harmful product consumption. The reason for that is that half Countries in the group Keep one or two policies for food corresponding to tax on sweet drinks. Therefore, their experiences will be made aware of how one can protect the general public from the deadly effects of food -infected diseases.

But the development of the solid foundation is not going to be easy. The thing that is required is that G20 is to place its weight behind these small print:

  • Promoting good health before people get sick have to be a must because the price of being inactive in financial and human terms is high.

  • Promoting the problem of accelerating tobacco taxes, as tobacco is the very best death and illness. But the tax is stopped. About 90 % of smoking smokers live in countries where cigarettes were the identical or More cheap in 2022 He was five years ago.

  • A brand new deal with alcohol taxes, which has shown little improvement within the last decade. Alcohol excise isn't being taxed Used effectively.

  • Fresh stimulation behind raising tax levels as a percentage of sugar sweet drinks. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweet drinks should increase product prices At least 20 %.

  • Champion Nutrition Regulation while visiting the trade and dietary policy environment. Trade policies can conflict with health policies.

  • Finally, emphasize a robust global surveillance framework to trace corporate accountability in health. It should include policies, information management, and a transparent dispute when exposed, when corporations attempt to create the premise of their evidence or attempt to discredit research that can support healthcare policies.