Beverages like sugary drinks and alcohol are too accessible and cost too little in most of the world – helping fuel obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday
WHO is calling on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, as two new reports reveal that levies remain low across many regions.
“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 Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists virtually on Tuesday.
“At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection.”
Among other findings, the report on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes shows that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks – including sodas or carbonated canned drinks – other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.
The report on the use of alcohol taxes shows that although 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes don't get adjusted for inflation and income growth.
