WHO CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO INCREASE TAXES ON SUGARY DRINKS, ALCOHOL
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments to substantially raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol as a measure to save lives.
The agency warned that products such as sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks remain widely доступible and relatively inexpensive in many parts of the world, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and injuries.
“Health taxes have been proven to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and ease pressure on health systems,” WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said while addressing journalists virtually on Tuesday.
He added that such taxes also provide a reliable revenue stream that governments can channel into health care, education and social protection programmes.
The report highlights that at least 116 countries currently impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
However, it notes that many high-sugar products, including sodas, carbonated canned drinks, 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, remain largely untaxed.
On alcohol, the report reveals that 167 countries levy taxes on spirits, wine, and beer.
The report also noted that alcohol has become more affordable or its price has remained largely unchanged in most countries since 2022, as taxes have not kept pace with inflation and rising incomes.
The WHO warned that “a cold and sweet pick-me-up from your local coffee shop on a hot day can have harmful consequences if consumed regularly.”
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The agency said that higher consumption of sugary drinks is linked to excess weight and obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues, including dental cavities and osteoporosis.
It added that alcohol poses serious risks, including harm to maternal and child health, increased exposure to communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, and a higher likelihood of injury to oneself and others.
The WHO stressed that raising taxes on harmful beverages can significantly reduce their consumption.
To illustrate, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted the example of the UK, which introduced a tax on sugary drinks in 2018. The measure led to lower sugar intake, generated £338 million in revenue in 2024 alone, and contributed to reduced obesity rates among girls aged 10 and 11, particularly in deprived communities.
The WHO has urged governments to increase and reform taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks as part of a new health initiative aimed at reducing harmful consumption.
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