Estimating the Distributional Impact of Increasing Taxes on Tobacco Products in Armenia: Results from an Extended Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Authors: Iryna Postolovska, Rouselle Lavado, Gillian Tarr, Stéphane Verguet

Abstract:

At present, tobacco taxes in Armenia are among the lowest in Europe and Central Asia. Global experience has shown that increasing taxes on tobacco is one of the most cost effective public health interventions. This is particularly relevant for Armenia, where smoking is among the leading risk factors of mortality among the population. Methods: We conducted an extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) to assess the health, financial, and distributional consequences of increases in the excise tax on cigarettes in Armenia.