CSEA Participates in National Trainings on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Taxation and Public Health Communication

Dr. Oluwatosin Deborah Edafe, Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), participated as a resource person at two key national trainings focused on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) taxation, held in Kano in May 2025. Both events were organized by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and aimed to strengthen public discourse and media capacity around SSB policy interventions in Nigeria.

The first training, the National Journalism Training on SSB Tax and Industry Monitoring (May 19–20), brought together journalists to enhance accurate and evidence-based reporting on public health issues—particularly the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria. Dr. Edafe delivered a presentation titled “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) Tax and Economic Impact on Households: Cost of Disease and Effective Taxation,” highlighting the significant health and economic burdens associated with SSB consumption, and the potential of taxation as a tool for prevention and public health protection.

The second event, the Media Training for National SSB Tax Coalition Members (May 22–23), convened media professionals, civil society actors, public health experts, and policymakers to advance strategic communication around SSB taxation. Dr. Edafe presented on “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) as a Preventive Tool for NCDs,” emphasizing the role of fiscal policy in reducing disease burden and improving population health.

Across both sessions, discussions focused on promoting pro-health narratives, countering misinformation, and equipping participants with the skills to identify and challenge industry tactics that undermine public health policies. The training underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding and support for nutrition-related interventions.