What if the world’s deadliest products like tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks came with their true price tag?
Right now, they don’t. The real costs are hidden:
- 43 million deaths each year from noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
- Billions lost in productivity and medical costs.
- Harmful industries profiting while we pay the price.
But there’s a proven way to change this: Health taxes.
Developed by Vital Strategies, the Health Taxes Action Guide gives policymakers and public health leaders practical steps to:
- Save lives and prevent disease by reducing consumption.
- Reduce the burden on our health care systems.
- Create revenue streams for health care, education and other social priorities.
The guide provides a clear road map on how to implement health taxes, from tax modeling, to overcoming industry pushback, to strategically communicating to consumers. It also highlights success stories from Brazil, Ethiopia and Vietnam.
“Health taxes are a practical way to reduce and prevent disease and strengthen public finances. They work when the health objective is kept at the center, the design is clear, and the narrative is straightforward about who benefits.” – Vital Strategies Health Taxes Action Guide.
Fix the Price Tag on Health
The companies making us sick are making billions. Our health, our economies and our future are paying the price. Watch this video to learn more about health taxes.