The Colombian government has unveiled a landmark tax reform that raises alcohol taxes as part of efforts to fund the 2026 budget and improve public health. The reform comes amid urgent health concerns: alcohol causes nearly 10,000 deaths annually in Colombia, is the top risk factor for death among 15- to 49-year-olds, and contributes to violence, self-harm, and traffic crashes. Civil society and community voices say this reform marks a turning point, ensuring the alcohol industry pays its fai...| Movendi International
Alcohol policy is one of the most powerful tools African countries can use to unlock health and development progress. Across the continent, people are calling for action and governments are beginning to respond, but the alcohol industry’s harmful practices still stand in the way. At WHO AFRO RCM75, Movendi International is making the case for ambitious alcohol policy action as a catalyst for healthier people, stronger communities, and fairer societies. The post Movendi at WHO AFRO RCM75: Pu...| Movendi International
The latest draft of the UN Political Declaration (Revision 3) brings back two references to alcohol policy best buys—barely avoiding complete meaninglessness. Yet the draft still falls short of previous global commitments to accelerate action, ignores WHO guidance, sidesteps the scientific evidence, and fails to match the scale of the alcohol burden.| Movendi International
VAST Ghana is stepping up for alcohol taxation. Following successful advocacy work for Ghana to raise alcohol taxes in 2023, VAST is now stepping up again to defend the public health achievement. The Excise Duty Act, with tax rates up to 47.5%, is credited with curbing alcohol harm, yet it now faces pushback from the alcohol industry. VAST Ghana urges lawmakers to resist pressure and instead strengthen tax policy by adopting a hybrid system and indexing for inflation.| Movendi International