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

Abstract

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: establishing a public platform 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.