Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Online Reporter
THE Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in Zimbabwe (SAAPA-Zimbabwe) has called on Government and other stakeholders to increase “sin tax” to address harm associated with the abuse of alcohol.
A “sin tax” is an excise tax placed on certain goods at the time of purchase. The items subject to this tax are perceived to be either morally suspect, harmful, or costly to society. Examples of sin taxes include those on cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, and vaping.
Alcohol is among the substances abused, especially by youths, with some illicit brews having found their way into the country’s market.
In a statement to mark Alcohol Awareness Month, which is commemorated in April, SAAPA-Zimbabwe Country Coordinator, Mr Tungamirai Zimonte said there was a need to protect young people from the harms of alcohol and create environments that promote healthy choices.
“Alcohol use among young people in Zimbabwe is of growing concern. We need to work together to address the root causes of harmful alcohol use and create safer harmful alcohol use and create a safer environment for youths,” said Mr Zimonte.
He said increasing taxes plays a key role in bringing sanity to the sector.
“Government and other stakeholders need to implement evidence-based policies such as increasing taxes on alcohol, restricting alcohol advertising and sponsorship and regulating the sale and availability of alcohol,” he said.
He said there was a need to prioritise the health and well-being of the youths by taking action.
SAAPA, a network of organizations working on promoting evidence-based alcohol policies across Southern Province, joined the world in commemorating Alcohol Awareness Month which was commemorated under the theme “Alcohol and Youth: Protecting Our Future,”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), harmful use of alcohol results in approximately 3 million deaths globally each year and it is a leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among young people.
In Zimbabwe, alcohol misuse is a serious public health concern contributing to road traffic accidents, violence and other social ills.
The call comes at a time the country is battling drug and substance abuse among them illicitly brewed alcohol known as chimbwa.
Online Reporter