The HFACT project is delighted to share the latest publication. Dr. Micheal Boachie and the PRICELESS Team from the Wits University have published “Modelling the potential impact of a tax on fruit juice in South Africa: Implications for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes and health financing” in the latest issue of BMC Nutrition.
Diabetes is among the top ten causes of mortality, especially among women, which is partly driven by high levels of added sugar consumption and obesity. To reduce obesity rates and the incidence of diabetes, South Africa introduced a tax on sugar sweetened beverages (also known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL)) in 2018. The tax is applicable to sugar-sweetened beverages but excludes 100% fruit juice. The government is currently considering extending the tax to include fruit juices. This paper found an HPL that significantly raises the retail price of fruit juices would reduce consumption and diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. The tax will also provide significant financial benefits in the form of reduced healthcare costs for both government and households as well as providing financial risk protection to individuals. Congratulations again to Dr. Micheal Boachie and the PRICELESS Team!
