NCD commission split over sugar tax
More involvement from heads of state and a fund to catalyze financing are among the recommendations in an expert report on combating noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The group stopped short of backing a tax on sugary drinks, a reflection of the rifts between its members.
The World Health Organization believes imposing a tax on sugary drinks and other refined sugar products could help tackle noncommunicable diseases. But is a so-called "sin tax" — also referred to as a “health tax” or “STAX” (sugar, tobacco and alcohol tax) — just a bandaid for a much bigger problem? Does it disproportionately impact poorer people? And is it unfairly punishing an industry? Watch above as Devex takes a closer look.
For more coverage of NCDs, visit the Taking the Pulse series here.
About the authors
Rebecca Root
Rebecca Root is an editorial associate and reporter at Devex. She has a background in journalism and communications, and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in New York and London. She is now based in Barcelona and produces multimedia editorial content for digital content series and media partnerships.
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is a video journalist for Devex, based in Barcelona. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously worked as an assistant correspondent for Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master's degree in multimedia journalism from Bournemouth University.
