The Potential Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax on Obesity Prevalence in Tanzania
In recent times, the Government of Tanzania has shown a willingness to implement fiscal and policy interventions, such as taxation of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs), for prevention of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The World Health Organization endorses such interventions as being highly-cost effective in reducing the burden of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related NCDs. Historically, the Government of Tanzania has implemented special tax regimens on SSBs. However, this has been with a view to generating revenue and promoting local industry (locally produced SSBs are taxed less than imported products), rather than with the intention of addressing diet-related NCDs. Nonetheless, this in itself provides an opportunity that researchers at an IDRC supported think-tank, the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), intend to explore. The main aim of the study will be to estimate the potential impact of SSBs tax on obesity prevalence in Tanzania, using a mathematical simulation model, as well as to estimate the government revenue that this tax may generate. The study also intends to estimate the monetary cost of inaction on obesity given the trends in NCD burden in Tanzania. Such scientific evidence will be of high value to policymakers and health programmers in their quest to address the burden of diet-related NCDs.
Project ID
108657
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
24 months
IDRC Officer
Samuel Oji Oti
Total Funding
CA$ 408,200.00
Location
Tanzania
Programs
Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Agriculture and Food Security
Institution Country
Tanzania
Project Leader
Fortunata Makene
Institution
The Registered Trustees of Economic and Social Research Foundation
Institution Website
Institution Country
Tanzania
Project Leader
Hoseana Lunogelo
Institution
The Registered Trustees of Economic and Social Research Foundation
Institution Website
Outputs
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Tishio ongezeko unene kupita kiasi Article
Author(s): Nipashe Reporter Language: Swahili |
Warning bells over rising cases of obesity Article
Obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCD) are a global concern. A new study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) shows that obesity cases are rising in Tanzania. Among recommendations, the report encourages an increase in excise tax equivalent to 20 per cent of the current price of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and juices, as a policy intervention measure. The article discusses the impact of obesity, and counter measures such as raising excise taxes. Author(s): Guardian Respondent Language: English |
Why that excessive weight should be cause for concern? Article
A study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) shows that obesity cases are rising in Tanzania (from 5% in 2008 to 8.4 % in 2016). As a policy intervention measure, the report encourages an increase in excise tax equivalent to 20 per cent of the current price of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and juices. The article discusses the impact of obesity, and counter measures such as raising excise taxes. “…The SSB tax already exists. The proposed reform is that of increasing the tax rate rather than introducing a new tax.” Author(s): Citizen Reporter Language: English |
Obesity fuels rise in non-infectious diseases Article
In the report following the study, the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) calls for urgent policy intervention by the Tanzanian government to arrest the trend it says has led to an upsurge of non-communicable diseases. This newspaper article (2021) covers findings and recommendations from the report. Obese people are vulnerable to developing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular concerns and diabetes. Author(s): Daily News Reporter Language: English |