Bishkek, May 26, 2026. /Kabar/. Kyrgyzstan is proposing to introduce a tax on sugary drinks to protect public health.
According to the Health ministry, non-communicable diseases(NCD), including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, remain the leading cause of premature mortality in Kyrgyzstan. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks is recognized as a key risk factor for obesity, diabetes, and other diseases, especially among children and young people.
Representatives of the Ministry of Health, Jogorku Kenesh, civil society, technical experts, international organizations, and development partners discussed international experience and possible approaches to taxing sugar-sweetened beverages during a policy dialogue.
According to WHO, more than 115 countries, including 22 countries in the European Region, have already implemented various forms of taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages as part of comprehensive measures to improve nutrition and reduce the health and economic burden of NCDs. International evidence shows that raising the price of sugary beverages helps reduce their consumption and supports the development of healthier eating habits, benefiting both public health and the economy.
"Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages is not only a public health measure but also an investment in the future health of the population, productivity, and economic resilience of the country," emphasized Liviu Vedrasco, WHO Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
"The situation in Kyrgyzstan is particularly concerning. According to the study, 78% of children aged 6 to 23 months already consume sugary drinks. At the same time, the rate of overweight and obesity among children continues to rise in the country. UNICEF reaffirms its support for the Kyrgyz government and partners in creating an environment in which every child can grow up healthy, protected, and fulfill their potential," noted Samman Thapa, UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
The participants reviewed international experience, economic modeling results, and the draft regulatory framework being developed in Kyrgyzstan. During the discussions, special attention was paid to strengthening intersectoral cooperation, issues of implementing proposed measures, and ensuring the protection of public health policies from conflicts of interest.