From Research to Policy: Economic Evaluation and Political Economy Lessons in SSB Taxation

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Implementing a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing public health and fostering policy innovation. Globally, around 50 countries have adopted SSB taxes, with many more planning to do so. These measures have led to lower consumption of sugary drinks and have encouraged manufacturers to reduce the sugar content in their beverages. Despite these successes, there is notable resistance from the industry. To address these challenges and share insights, we are hosting a 1.5-hour webinar that will highlight the SSB tax journey from research to policy. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the research underpinning SSB taxes, the legislative successes, and the ongoing efforts to implement these policies effectively.

Speakers

Lennert Veerman

Professor of Public Health

I am Professor of Public Health at Griffith University, School of Medicine and Dentistry. I have a background in medicine and public health, and a passion for healthy physical, economic, social and natural environments. The scope of my research includes health economics, and I have expertise in epidemiological modelling, burden of disease studies, non-communicable disease control and the cost-effectiveness of prevention. Over the past 15 years, I have led analyses into the likely impact of taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages in several countries around the world.

Kate Mandeville

World Bank

Kate Mandeville leads the China, Mongolia, and Korea health programs at the World Bank. She is a public health physician with a PhD in health system economics. She has previously worked at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Public Health England. For the last five years, she has been leading a World Bank program to support governments in designing and implementing SSB taxes, which has included Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Philippines, and Ukraine among others. She also developed the Global SSB Tax Database (https://ssbtax.worldbank.org/). She has a BSc and MD from Imperial College London and a MPH and PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Undram Mandakh

Head of the Nutrition and Food Security Division at the National Center for Public Health in Mongolia

I am the Head of the Nutrition and Food Security Division at the National Center for Public Health in Mongolia. My work focuses on the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on public health, particularly in reducing childhood obesity. Over the past decade, I have led efforts to introduce SSB taxes in Mongolia, working closely with other experts to shape national health policies. I am dedicated to improving public health through practical solutions that encourage healthier choices and reduce the consumption of sugary drinks  

Please add to your calendar by using the following link. We look forward to seeing you.