The longest policy cycle model asserts that people, institutions, and special interest groups play an integral part in influencing the development of changes in public health policy. The taxing of sugary drinks is gaining momentum in the entire country because of the support from various groups like the policymakers, media, and the general public. There has been a tremendous increase in cases of obesity, Type II diabetes, and heart diseases; and this is attributed to the high consumption of sugary drinks. The policy is necessary because it will encourage the players in the sector to produce and promote beverages that are healthier. Also, the funds will be used to promote awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of the sugary drinks. The policy tax on sugared drinks will lead to an increase in their prices thus discourage people from consuming such drinks (Duckett, & Swerissen, 2016). The move to initiate the policy of taxing sugary drinks is essential in improving health, reduction in sugar consumption, and raising revenue.
Those who are against the policy taxing on sugary drinks argue that the move will lead to reduced profits because taxes will increase the prices thus fewer people will be able to consume the products. Also, people have developed a culture of consuming sugary drinks, and it will be difficult to change their minds. Moreover, those against the policy believe that the consumption of sugary drinks is a personal choice hence there is no need to interfere with such decisions.
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The effective buy-in of the proposed policy will require people in the community and the relevant groups to familiarize themselves with the possible dangers of consuming sugary drinks. This will entail the creation of awareness to make sure that people are in a position to recognize the risks of consuming sugary drinks and the need to take proactive solutions to change the terrain. Also, the benefits of the policy will be explained to the people to gain their support. The awareness will seek to improve the mental knowledge of the people to reduce resistance to the plan. The addressing of their emotions will prepare people on how to effectively handle the change without frustrations or developing a feeling of being threatened. The presentation of the concrete facts will allow me to build trust and hope on the importance of the change in policy. Real examples will be used to pass the message to increase the support and allow people to walk the talk.
Several stakeholders will be involved in promoting the policy, and this includes the legislators, media houses, health personnel, school administrators, relevant government agencies and community leaders. The legislators will play an integral part in passing the policy to promote its legality. The media houses are useful in creating awareness on the effects of consuming sugary drinks and the benefits of the tax policy on the beverages. The health personnel will educate people on the importance of avoiding the consumption of sugary drinks to make sure that they are healthy. The most affected people who consume a lot of sugary beverages are school going children, and the school administration will assist in creating awareness concerning the consumption of sugary drinks (BDA, 2015). The community leaders will assist in holding meetings in the community to create awareness to make sure that people are receptive to the idea.
In conclusion, the policy on taxing sugary drinks is vital in reducing their consumption, promote consumption of healthier products and raise revenue to support the health sector. The involvement of various stakeholders in initiating change will reduce resistance and enhance maximum awareness of the benefits of the tax policy and the effects of consuming sugary drinks.
References
BDA. (2015). Policy Statement Interventions which reduce the consumption of energy from sugary drinks in children. Retrieved from http://www.manualofdieteticpractice.com/updates/BDA-Policy-Statement-Sugary-Drinks-Consumption.pdf
Duckett, S., & Swerissen, H. (2016). A sugary drinks tax. Recovering the community .
