Increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, urges WHO

WHO urges governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol after reports found many levies remain low and these products have become broadly affordable in many countries.

WHO has urged governments to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol as part of a new health initiative. Two WHO reports released alongside the appeal found many levies remain low and that alcohol has become more affordable in much of the world since 2022. The agency said higher "health taxes" can help reduce consumption and generate revenue for public services. WHO cited examples from countries that have adjusted levies, including the United Kingdom. Key points: - WHO called for significant increases and redesigns of taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol within a broader health taxes initiative. - The sugary drinks report notes at least 116 countries tax sodas, while many other high-sugar beverages often escape taxation. - The alcohol report notes 167 countries levy taxes on alcoholic beverages, but alcohol affordability has generally increased since 2022 because taxes are not routinely adjusted for inflation and income growth. - WHO states that evidence links higher health taxes to reduced consumption and to increased government revenue, and cited the UK's sugary drink tax as an example of such outcomes. Summary: Raising and redesigning taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol is presented as a policy option to lower consumption and to provide funds for health, education and social protection. WHO is asking governments to adopt higher and better-adjusted levies as part of its initiative; specific national commitments were not detailed.