CAPE TOWN: The World Organization (WHO) voiced its support for South Africa’s upcoming tax on sugared drinks. It is part of the country’s campaign to promote better health and curb the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Originally announced in the 2016 national budget by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, he said in his 2017 budget it would be implemented later this year after legislation had been passed and details finalized.
“The WHO fully supports the government of South Africa’s commitment to implement a tax on sugary drinks as part of its ongoing drive to improve the health of its people and address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” says Dr Rufaro Chatora, the WHO’s representative to South Africa.
Chatora adds: “By implementing a tax on sugary drinks to increase the prices of these beverages, South Africa will be taking a proactive step to reduce intake of sugars, which contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other diet-related NCDs, including diabetes.”
According to a report titled “Mortality and Causes of Death” released on 28 February 2017 by Stats SA, “the three leading causes of natural deaths in 2014 were tuberculosis (TB), diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular diseases”.
While TB remains the leading cause of death in the country, NCDs continue their rise in the rankings of top 10 leading causes with diabetes mellitus moving from third position in 2014 to second position in 2015.
The findings, says Stats SA, will help in better planning and meeting the National Development Plan goal to ensure a long and healthy life for the population by 2030.
WHO member states around the world, including South Africa, have committed to halting the rise of obesity and diabetes, and reducing the number of deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025, and by 33% by 2030. The latter target is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
