Description

This report highlights some of the most common fiscal policies consistent with NCD prevention as well as measures that are recommended as highly effective in reducing the enormous strain of NCDs. NCDs weigh on economies and exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. They hinder growth and rob countries and families of human capital and opportunities. The costs of NCDs are expected to grow, which may further jeopardise sustainable development. The trend is stark: a growing share of people are dying from NCDs globally. In 1980 they accounted for just over half of all deaths, in 2019 it was almost three-quarters. Meanwhile, SSBs are becoming more affordable, as are tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in many countries. Governments have the tools to halt this trend. An holistic approach, involving a wide range of stakeholders, that includes coherent fiscal policies aligned with other public health measures has the potential to mitigate the burden of NCDs by reducing exposure to the main risk factors. Achieving SDG 3.4 is within our reach. We call on governments, international organisations, and civil society to take action and adopt measures that can save lives.