THE Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Geneva yesterday has seen officials pledge to work "collaboratively and creatively" to tackle the rising issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which kill "millions of people across the Commonwealth each year".
There are 53 states in the Commonwealth, with a range of measures discussed, including raising taxes on tobacco products to 75% of the total purchase price.
They're also proposing to implement a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and to ensure that by 2025 all girls in Commonwealth nations aged between 9 and 13 will have a human papilloma virus vaccination.
The ministers discussed the possibility of sharing drug pricing information through the creation of a Commonwealth database on the cost of essential medicines, vaccines and health technologies, and urged harmonisation of health sector programs targeting gender-based violence.
The meeting took place in the lead up to this week's 71st World Health Assembly.
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