On June 14, the National Assembly officially passed the Law on Special Consumption Tax (amended), imposing a tax on sugary soft drinks for the first time. With this policy, Vietnam will join the group of about 110 countries in the world that use tax tools to increase the prices of products that are harmful to health, while sending a signal that we should limit the consumption of these drinks.
Dr. Angela Pratt - Chief Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam emphasized this at the Press Award Ceremony "Communication on non-communicable disease prevention," which took place on June 19 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025).
The WHO Representative affirmed that this is a very encouraging result - which will help reduce the harmful effects on health and medical costs caused by diseases related to sugary drinks in the coming decades, contributing to building a healthier and more prosperous Vietnam.
This would be particularly powerful in changing the habits of children and young people, who are price-sensitive and will reduce their consumption more when prices increase. Thus, imposing a tax on sugary drinks helps protect children’s health and build a healthier future generation.
WHO will continue its efforts to support the Government of Viet Nam’s priority health goals. For example, it will continue to advocate for effective implementation of the e-cigarette and heated tobacco ban, enhanced health warnings, stronger enforcement of smoke-free environments and smoking cessation programmes, etc. WHO will also continue to advocate for further tax increases on unhealthy products to protect health.
“Therefore, we look forward to continuing to work with the media as key partners in reaching people and policymakers with clear evidence of effective solutions to promote and protect health,” Angela Pratt stressed.
The "Communication on non-communicable disease prevention" journalism award, launched on April 28, has received the participation of journalists from many press agencies with more than 120 works.
At the event, the Organizing Committee awarded 1 First Prize to Journalist Vu Thi Nam Phuong (Dan Tri Newspaper), 2 Second Prizes were awarded to Journalist Duong Thi Ngan (Tai Chinh - Dau Tu Newspaper) and Journalist Nguyen Hai Yen (Dai Deo Nhan Dan Newspaper); 3 Third Prizes were awarded to Journalist Hoang Thi Bich (Nguoi Dua Tin Newspaper), Journalist Pham Thi Hiep (Suc Khoe Doi Song Newspaper), Journalist Truong Thi Bich Ngoc (Nhan Dan Newspaper).
The Organizing Committee also awarded other prizes such as: Impressive TV program award, impressive radio program award, positive mark award, dedication award, and community writer award.
The WHO Representative in Vietnam expressed his desire to continue working with media agencies and the press as key partners in reaching people and policy makers with clear evidence of effective solutions to promote and protect health.
By highlighting issues of great topical significance, media outlets have shown readers the real harms of sugary drinks and made complex tax information more accessible to listeners and viewers – as well as policymakers who need this information to make evidence-based decisions.
The "Communication on non-communicable disease prevention" journalism award is co-organized by the World Health Organization in Vietnam and HealthBridge Vietnam./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vn-gia-nhap-nhom-110-nuoc-ap-thue-tang-gia-san-pham-co-hai-cho-suc-khoe-post1045197.vnp
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