[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. The summary condenses the main points for the news that starts below. The summary is in bold and not longer than 300 characters, including spaces. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
To tackle the global rise in non-communicable diseases, researchers urge the G20 to support stronger health taxes on harmful products like sugary drinks, tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – BLOCK 1 – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By 2030, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease will account for 75% of all global deaths\u2014most in low- and middle-income countries. In a recent article for The Conversation<\/a>, Professors Karen Hofman and Susan Goldstein from the University of the Witwatersrand<\/a> call on G20 countries to take bold action by supporting health taxes on harmful products like sugary drinks, tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods.<\/p>\n Drawing on decades of research, the authors point to the \u201ccommercial determinants of health\u201d as key drivers of these health crises. Aggressive marketing strategies\u2014especially targeted at children\u2014have helped normalise the consumption of unhealthy products. Despite some progress, industry lobbying continues to undermine health policies, diluting their effectiveness.<\/p>\n The authors argue that price increases via taxation are among the most effective tools to reduce consumption. A 50% tax increase on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages could generate $3.7 trillion globally over five years and save 50 million lives over five decades.<\/p>\n