Equity Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol
2022
South Africa experiences significant levels of alcohol-related harm. Recent research suggests minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol would be an effective policy, but high levels of income inequality raise concerns about equity impacts. This paper quantifies the equity impact of MUP on household health and finances in rich and poor drinkers in South Africa.
Authors estimate MUP would reduce consumption more among the poorest than the richest drinkers. A MUP policy in South Africa has the potential to reduce harm and health inequality. Fiscal policies for population health require structured policy appraisal, accounting for the totality of effects using mathematical models in association with extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methodology.
Equity Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol
Source:
Gibbs N, Angus C, Dixon S et al. Equity Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol on Household Health and Finances among Rich and Poor Drinkers in South Africa. BMJ Global Health 2022; 7 (1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007824