The Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA) has called on the Government of Cameroon to introduce taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, salty snacks, tobacco, alcohol and other unhealthy packaged food products as a credible way to boost health financing and curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In a message circulated on social media platforms, Ferdinant Mbiydzenyuy Sonyuy, President and CEO of RADA and a public health economist, warned that Cameroon risks falling further behind in health sector development unless bold measures are taken.
“Taxes on unhealthy commodities can raise enough revenue to cover up to 40 percent of the national health budget,” he stated. “This is a responsible domestic financing mechanism supported by the people of Cameroon.”
Cameroon’s Health Financing Gap
Cameroon committed in 2014 to allocate 15 percent of its national budget to health under the Abuja Declaration. But a decade later, the country is spending less than 2 percent, one of the lowest rates in Africa. According to RADA, this chronic underfunding leaves critical health services, particularly for chronic diseases, without sustainable financing.
RADA’s recent survey found that 50 percent of Cameroonians support the introduction of health taxes, and support skyrockets to 94 percent if revenues are earmarked for NCD prevention, health promotion, and protection programs.
“The people are ready. They want their taxes to protect their health, not just line the state treasury,” Sonyuy emphasized.
Reducing Consumption, Improving Health
RADA argues that health taxes will not only generate revenue but also reduce the consumption of products that drive obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other NCDs. The organization believes producers should seize the opportunity to reformulate their products into healthier options and join the national effort to improve public health.
“This is a win-win measure,” Sonyuy said. “Even if manufacturers bear some cost, they have the chance to be part of the solution – not the problem.”
A Call for Political Will
RADA is urging President Paul Biya and national lawmakers to take decisive action, framing health taxes as an investment in both human capital and economic growth.
“Protecting the next generation is protecting GDP,” Sonyuy argued. “A healthy population is the engine of a productive economy. Our leaders must choose to protect people, not profits.”
Public health experts say the proposal represents a “low-hanging fruit” for Cameroon as it seeks to close its health financing gap, achieve Universal Health Coverage, and reduce the long-term cost burden of preventable diseases.
RADA pledged to continue its advocacy, working with civil society, policymakers and international partners to make health taxes a reality.
“Our health matters. Our economy matters. It is time to act,” Sonyuy concluded.
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