The World Health Organization strongly supports yesterday’s announcement by the Government of South Africa to implement a tax on sugary beverages as part of the country’s campaign to promote the health of its citizens and combat the increasing challenges of diabetes and obesity.

The tax on sugary drinks was among several important health measures announced as part of the government’s 2017/18 budget.

In a speech read on 22 February 2017, South African Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, said the tax would be implemented later this year once details were finalized and legislation is passed

 “The World Health Organization 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 noncommunicable diseases (NCDs),” says Dr Rufaro Chatora, WHO’s Representative to South Africa.