Development of a policy brief to reform waterpipe tobacco taxation in Egypt

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing in Egypt, although there are several interventions to reduce its use. Aim: To describe the development of a policy brief to reform waterpipe tobacco taxation in Egypt. Methods: During 2019–2022, we synthesized available literature evidence on waterpipe tobacco taxation in Egypt and other countries. We then held a policy dialogue to engage various stakeholders to discuss and finalize a draft policy brief for Egypt. Results: The policy brief proposes 3 elements for improving waterpipe tobacco taxation in Egypt: establishinevidence-informedrm for national data on waterpipe tobacco economics; modelling the economic and public health benefits of an improved waterpipe tobacco taxation system; and raising waterpipe tobacco tax level and reforming the taxation structure. Conclusion: Application of the knowledge-to-policy translation framework was instrumental in bridging the gap between evidence synthesis and political framing for the policy brief. More effort should be made to strengthen evidence informed policymaking, particularly in settings where tobacco control governance is fragmented and tax policies are applied inconsistently.