Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Geneva, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong appeal to governments worldwide to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, citing rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and injuries linked to the increasingly affordable price of these products. The call comes with the release of new global reports highlighting gaps in current tax regimes and the public health costs of inaction.
In remarks delivered alongside the publication of twin WHO reports on the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored that consistently low tax rates in many countries are allowing harmful products to remain cheap and widely consumed, exacerbating pressure on already strained health systems. He described “health taxes” as among the strongest tools available for disease prevention, noting that increasing levies on unhealthy products can both reduce consumption and unlock revenue for vital services such as health care, education and social protection.
“Weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable non-communicable diseases,” Dr Tedros said, emphasising that raising taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol can help shift consumer behaviour and generate funds needed for essential public services.
The WHO reports reveal that although at least 116 countries levy taxes on sugary drinks such as sodas, many other high-sugar products — including 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — often escape taxation. Meanwhile, 167 countries tax alcoholic beverages, but these levies have not kept pace with inflation and income growth, making beer, wine and spirits relatively more affordable over time.
The organisation highlighted the broad health risks associated with excess consumption of sugary and alcoholic drinks, including elevated risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, dental problems and alcohol-related injuries. It also warned that more affordable prices tend to drive higher consumption — particularly among children and young adults — worsening public health outcomes and increasing long-term costs for health systems.
Tax hikes on these products are seen not only as a deterrent to consumption but also as a strategic source of revenue. By raising prices through excise taxes, governments can lessen demand while raising funds that could be reinvested into public health infrastructure and social programmes, a particularly pressing consideration as development aid declines and many countries grapple with fiscal pressures.
Multiple health economists and policy experts emphasise that taxes on unhealthy products have a proven track record of reducing consumption. Countries such as the United Kingdom have implemented taxes on sugary drinks with measurable results: lower sugar consumption, increased revenues, and early indications of declines in obesity rates among children in targeted age groups. The WHO is encouraging governments to redesign and strengthen these tax frameworks so that they apply comprehensively to relevant products and reflect real-world affordability.
The WHO’s push is part of a broader initiative known as “3 by 35,” which aims to boost the prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035, a strategy the agency projects could prevent millions of premature deaths and generate significant public revenue over time. Critics acknowledge that implementing health taxes can be politically challenging and may face resistance from powerful industry stakeholders with vested interests in preserving current pricing structures.
For governments grappling with rising rates of non-communicable diseases and surging health care costs, the WHO’s recommendations highlight a policy lever that combines public health with fiscal strategy. Examples cited by health authorities show that well-designed tax policies can encourage companies to reformulate products with lower sugar content, drive down harmful consumption patterns and support broader preventive health campaigns.
The WHO has urged countries to assess their current tax structures on sugary drinks and alcohol, consider expanding the scope of products included, adjust rates in line with inflation and income growth, and ensure that revenues support public health and social protection priorities. As the global community continues to confront the burden of chronic diseases linked to diet and lifestyle, this latest call from the WHO underscores the role of fiscal policy in shaping healthier populations.
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