Tobacco taxes as a tool for development
A key factor in achieving sustainable development goals
Tobacco taxes are a development policy able to impact:
Tobacco control is central to meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, notably to end poverty and to ensure healthy lives. While the negative health impacts of tobacco consumption are well known, there is still a need to raise awareness of tobacco as a threat to development not just as a health issue.
Income inequalities as the poorest will ultimately benefit most
Gender inequalities as women play an essential role in intrahousehold allocation (managing funds), and have become a tobacco industry target on expansion of tobacco consumption
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A steep tobacco price brought about through excise taxes is the most effective and efficient way to achieve large health gains and poverty reductions, with those in the lowest income groups benefiting most.
Regional policy enabling poorer regions to enhance health and development through the revenues generated by higher taxes.
The project sought to provide local evidence (Mexico, India, Colombia) demonstrating the health improvements and poverty reduction brought on by higher tobacco taxes.
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