This commentary elaborates on Thailand's utilization of health taxes on unhealthy goods to health promotion at the population level. Thailand channels these health taxes into the Thai Health Promotion Fund, specifically a 2% surcharge added to the excise tax on...
Circle of Kindness Foundation – a new payment mechanism to support rare and life-threatening diseases in Russia
While rare (orphan) diseases are a significant financial burden for health systems and access to these expensive treatments is limited, Russia has established a foundation, “Circle of Kindness”, funded by 2% of the individual income tax generated by the high-income...
Tax hikes ahead for NHI funding
The National Department of Health confirms impending tax hikes to fund the NHI scheme in South Africa, pending President Cyril Ramaphosa's approval. NHI's successful implementation hinges on securing adequate funding, which remains a challenge. The National...
Experts call for higher sugar taxes
Sugar-laden drinks are linked to obesity and other chronic illnesses. Many countries have implemented sugar taxes on soft drinks, but the WHO says the levels are too low to make a significant difference.The Guardian article titled The cost of dealing with disease is...
Global report on the use of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, 2023
The global assessment finds sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are widespread but generally too low to significantly reduce consumption and improve public health. This report provides a global assessment of taxes applied to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). It describes...
WHO technical manual on alcohol tax policy and administration
A new WHO manual offers guidance on using alcohol taxes to reduce consumption and improve public health.The WHO technical manual on alcohol tax policy and administration is a practical guide and a call to action for policymakers and others involved in alcohol tax...
Health Financing Progress Matrix assessment: Pakistan 2023
This report provides a summary of findings and recommendations based on the Health Financing Progress Matrix assessment in Pakistan. In addition to identifying strengths and weaknesses in Pakistan’s health financing system, priority areas are highlighted in order to...