Washington, D.C., October 31, 2024—The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) held a workshop on alcohol taxation at the PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C., with policymakers, experts, and academics from Brazil, Colombia and Mexico to discuss the role of alcohol taxes in addressing public health and economic challenges in the region. Organized in collaboration with Vital Strategies, and Johns Hopkins University - Economics for Health, the event focused on how excise taxes can serve as a cost-effective measure to reduce alcohol-related harms.
This workshop took place under the framework of RESET Alcohol, a global policy initiative aimed at advancing e the World Health Organization's SAFER technical package “best buys” in select countries. The initiative’s primary focus is on increasing alcohol taxation to increase prices and reduce affordability of alcohol products, while also implementing targeted efforts to restrict alcohol marketing and regulate availability.
Participants, representing both ministries of health and finance, discussed their countries' current alcohol tax policies, progress, and challenges. The workshop also provided a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in alcohol taxation and highlighted the critical role these taxes play in reducing the affordability of alcohol, lowering consumption, and mitigating its negative health and social impacts.
Discussions covered the economic and epidemiological burden of alcohol use, as well as strategies to debunk common industry myths about taxation, such as concerns over employment loss or the regressive nature of the tax. Experts also explored how alcohol taxes can generate much-needed revenue while simultaneously improving public health outcomes.
By fostering dialogue between finance and health sectors, the workshop reinforced the importance of evidence-based policies in combating alcohol-related harm. Through events like this, PAHO continues its commitment to helping Member States implement effective tax policies that not only reduce alcohol consumption but also alleviate the broader burden of non-communicable diseases across the region.
