Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by raising taxes

The Ministry of Health held an event in Bishkek focusing on the taxation of sugar-sweetened drinks as part of national efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote healthy eating.

Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, remain the leading cause of premature mortality in Kyrgyzstan. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks is recognised as one of the key risk factors for obesity, diabetes and other diseases, particularly among children and young people.

The dialogue brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, development partners, civil society, technical experts and international organisations to discuss the evidence base, international experience and possible approaches to the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Opening the event, participants emphasised the importance of developing and implementing evidence-based policy measures to improve population health indicators and reduce the growing burden of diseases linked to poor nutrition.

According to WHO, more than 115 countries worldwide, including 22 countries in the WHO European Region, have already introduced various forms of taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages as part of comprehensive measures to improve public nutrition and reduce the medical and economic burden of NCDs. International data show that increasing the price of sugary drinks leads to a significant reduction in their consumption and supports the development of healthier eating habits, benefiting both public health and the national economy.

“Today we are facing a serious rise in diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases, and the situation among children and young people is particularly alarming. Sugary drinks foster unhealthy eating habits from an early age, whilst having no nutritional value whatsoever. The state already incurs huge costs for treating the complications of diabetes – haemodialysis, heart attacks, strokes, amputations and disability. Therefore, the issue of increasing taxation on sugary drinks must be viewed first and foremost as an investment in public health and the prevention of chronic diseases. International experience and recommendations from the World Health Organisation confirm that such measures help to reduce sugar consumption, particularly among children and adolescents, and contribute to building a healthier future for the country”, — noted Deputy Minister of Health Gulbara Ishenapysova.

Liviu Vedrasco, WHO Representative in Kyrgyzstan, noted that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages is not only a public health measure but also an investment in the future health of the population, productivity and the country’s economic sustainability. International experience clearly shows that well-designed fiscal policy helps reduce sugar consumption, encourages manufacturers to produce healthier products and helps prevent non-communicable diseases, particularly among children and young people.

“The situation in Kyrgyzstan is of particular concern. According to data from the MICS 2023 survey, 78% of children aged between 6 and 23 months already consume sweetened drinks. At the same time, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in the country continues to rise. UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and its partners in creating an environment in which every child can grow up healthy, protected and able to realise their potential”, — said Samman Tapa, UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

Hugh Riddell, Head of the World Bank Group’s office in the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that analysis of the Kyrgyz Republic shows that there are practical measures capable of bringing significant benefits both to public health and to public finances.

“Raising the tax on sugar-sweetened drinks could help prevent more than 50,000 cases of obesity, 41,000 cases of type 2 diabetes, as well as thousands of cases of cardiovascular disease and strokes over the next 25 years. It could also generate additional budget revenue comparable to current tobacco excise duty receipts. This is a sensible measure that will help improve the nation’s health, strengthen public finances and support the country’s long-term development”, — he said.

Participants reviewed international experience, the results of economic modelling and the draft regulatory framework being developed in Kyrgyzstan. During the discussions, particular attention was paid to strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, issues relating to the implementation of the proposed measures, and ensuring that public health policy is protected from conflicts of interest.

The event formed part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen the prevention of non-communicable diseases and create a healthier food environment in line with WHO recommendations and global health commitments.