A4H Project
Credit: A4H Project
Description: The "A4H" (Advocating for Health) project in Ghana aims to create a favorable environment and stakeholder support for food-related fiscal policies, particularly a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), to combat the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and malnutrition. With urban areas experiencing rapid changes in food environments, Ghana has seen a significant increase in obesity rates among women, from 10% in 1993 to 40% in 2015, contributing to high mortality rates from NCDs. The project seeks to identify legal pathways for implementing SSB taxes, generate evidence to support advocacy efforts, and strengthen coalition-building among stakeholders. By leveraging advocacy and scholarly activism, the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health's efforts to develop food-based policies that promote healthier diets. The objectives include enhancing stakeholder awareness and media advocacy to ensure effective communication of the benefits of SSB taxation as part of a broader strategy to reduce dietary risks associated with NCDs in Ghana.