New York: The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, warning that their low cost and easy availability are fueling a surge in obesity, diabetes, cancer, and alcohol‑related harm.
WHO says health taxes not only curb consumption but also provide vital revenue streams for investment in health, education, and social protection.
“Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems,” WHO Director‑General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus told journalists virtually on Tuesday.
At least 116 countries currently tax sugary drinks, while 167 levy taxes on alcohol, including liquor, wine, and beer. However, affordability remains high in many nations because levies are not adjusted for inflation or income growth.
Ghebreyesus insists that increased intake of sugary drinks is associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dental caries, and osteoporosis, while alcohol contributes to maternal and child health risks, mental health damage, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and a higher likelihood of injury.
The UK’s levy on sugary drinks, introduced in 2018, has reduced sugar consumption, generated £338 million in 2024 alone, and lowered obesity rates among girls aged 10 and 11, particularly in deprived communities.
WHO is urging governments to raise and redesign taxes as part of a broader initiative targeting tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and sugary drinks, stressing that stronger fiscal measures are essential to protect public health and reduce the global burden of preventable disease.
