[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
Rising NCDs in China driven by tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks underscore the need for stronger health taxes. New modelling shows a 20% price hike could yield major health and economic benefits. Evidence supports phased, product-specific tax reforms, complemented by public health measures to strengthen long-term impact.<\/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 China faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) driven by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and rising intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Although smoking prevalence has declined, China still accounts for nearly a quarter of the world\u2019s smokers, and alcohol and SSB use have surged, particularly among men and youth. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 data, tobacco and alcohol ranked among the top risk factors for disease burden, while SSB-related health losses grew more than tenfold since 1990. The WHO\u2019s \u201c3 by 35 Initiative\u201d calls for a 50% real-price rise in unhealthy products through taxation by 2035. While China has adjusted tobacco taxes over the years, overall rates remain below WHO recommendations, and alcohol and SSBs face limited or no dedicated taxes.<\/p>\n