US EditionWHO Pushes for Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks, Alcohol
WHO urges countries to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce chronic diseases and boost revenue as affordability increased in 62 and 56 countries respectively, WHO said.
- On Jan 13, 2026, the World Health Organization urged countries to raise taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks as they became more affordable in 62 countries between 2022 and 2024.
- Last year, rising affordability and profits helped spur WHO's tax push as beer became cheaper in 56 countries and the global sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages market generated billions.
- At least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, but many high-sugar products escape taxation and wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries.
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said taxes can reduce harmful consumption and fund health services, despite political challenges, as they are a strong health tool.
- The `3 by 35` initiative aims to increase real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by 50% by 2035, according to WHO. WHO urges redesigning health taxes to protect health and generate revenue.
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adds quote from the Director General of WHO at a press conference The World Health Organization (WHO) observed on Tuesday that sweet drinks...
Medical Xpress
WHO says sugary drinks, alcohol getting cheaper, should be taxed more
Sugary drinks and alcohol are getting relatively cheaper, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, urging countries to hike taxes to reduce consumption levels and boost health funding.
WHO urges higher taxes as cheap sugary drinks and alcohol fuel obesity, diabetes, heart disease
GENEVA: Sugary drinks and alcohol are getting relatively cheaper, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, urging countries to hike taxes to reduce consumption levels and boost health funding.
Keeping taxes on sugary and alcoholic beverages low costs lives and weakens health systems. This is the message that the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched to governments this Tuesday. Two new reports by the agency, which are published this afternoon, warn that current taxation allows these harmful products to maintain low prices and trigger health risks. “In most countries, taxes are too low to be effective, poorly designed, do not fi…
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