WHO urges govts to increase taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to save lives.

WHO warns that beverages like sugary drinks and alcohol were too accessible and cost too little in most of the world – helping fuel obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury.

“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 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 at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks.

It added that sodas or carbonated canned drinks, 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 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer.

It however noted that 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.

“A cold and sweet pick-me-up from your local coffee shop on a hot day can have detrimental consequences, if consumed regularly,” it stated.

Increased intake of sugary drinks is associated with risks of excess weight and obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects including dental caries and osteoporosis, it said.

The negative health impacts of alcohol include increased maternal and child health risks, exposure to communicable and noncommunicable diseases, damage to mental health and increasing the likelihood of injury to oneself and others.

Increasing taxes on harmful beverages leads to fewer people consuming them.

To illustrate the success of this approach, the WHO chief cited multiple examples including that of the UK, which introduced a tax on sugary drinks in 2018.

This led to reduced sugar consumption, a 338 million pounds revenue increase in 2024 alone, and lower obesity rates in girls aged 10 and 11, especially in deprived communities.

WHO also called on governments to raise and redesign taxes as part of a new health initiative targeting tobacco use and excessive consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks.