WHO calls for higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks

The World Health Organization urged higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks after two reports linked those products to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, injuries and cancer and found taxes have not kept pace with inflation.

WHO has urged countries to raise taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks to help prevent disease. Two new WHO reports linked those beverages to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, injuries and cancer. The reports said low or stagnant tax rates leave these products relatively cheap while health systems absorb costs for preventable conditions. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that health taxes are a strong tool for promoting health and supporting health services. Key points: - Two WHO reports linked sugary and alcoholic beverages to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, injuries and cancer. - The reports found at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks (including soda), 97% of countries tax energy drinks, and at least 167 countries tax alcohol while 12 ban alcoholic drinks; some products and many wines remain untaxed. - The reports say taxes have not kept pace with inflation, making these products more affordable over time, and a 2022 Gallup Poll showed majority public support for higher taxes on both alcohol and sugary beverages. Summary: The reports say current tax levels and exemptions have contributed to greater affordability of sugary and alcoholic beverages and to increased costs for health systems. Undetermined at this time.