By Maryjane Austine
WHO Urges Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks, Alcohol
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, warning that current levies remain too low in many parts of the world to curb harmful consumption.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the appeal follows the release of two new reports showing that existing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol are often inadequate and poorly designed.
Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tuesday, Tedros said higher health taxes have been proven to reduce the consumption of harmful products while also providing governments with additional revenue to support public services.
According to him, taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol help prevent disease, ease pressure on health systems and generate funds that can be invested in health care, education and social protection.
One of the reports showed that although at least 116 countries impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas and carbonated drinks, many other high-sugar products remain untaxed. These include 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees.
The second report revealed that while 167 countries tax alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits, alcoholic beverages have become more affordable or remained the same price in most countries since 2022. This, the report noted, is largely because alcohol taxes are not regularly adjusted to reflect inflation and rising incomes.
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WHO warned that regular consumption of sugary drinks is linked to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health problems such as dental caries and osteoporosis.
Similarly, excessive alcohol intake was linked to higher risks for maternal and child health, mental health disorders, communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as a greater likelihood of injuries to both drinkers and others.
Tedros cited evidence showing that increasing taxes on harmful beverages leads to reduced consumption. He pointed to the United Kingdom’s sugar tax introduced in 2018, which he said resulted in reduced sugar intake, a £338 million increase in government revenue in 2024, and lower obesity rates among girls aged 10 and 11, particularly in poorer communities.
WHO said it is urging governments to raise and redesign health taxes as part of a broader initiative targeting tobacco use and the excessive consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks.