The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to raise taxes on fruit juices, sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that low prices are accelerating the spread of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, particularly among children and young adults.
In two newly released global reports, the WHO said consistently low tax rates have made sugar-laden drinks and alcohol increasingly affordable across many countries.
This affordability, the agency noted, has encouraged higher consumption while placing growing pressure on public health systems already struggling with preventable illnesses and injuries.
Although more than 100 countries impose taxes on sugar-sweetened soft drinks, the WHO highlighted major gaps in existing tax frameworks.
High-sugar products such as 100 per cent fruit juices, flavoured milk drinks, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees often remain untaxed.
On average, the median tax on these products amounts to just about 2 per cent of the retail price of a typical sugary soda.
The organisation also pointed out that only a small number of countries regularly adjust these taxes for inflation.
As a result, health-harming products continue to become cheaper in real terms, increasing their appeal, especially among younger consumers.
In a separate assessment, the WHO found that alcohol has either become more affordable or seen little change in price in most countries since 2022, despite clear evidence linking it to injuries, violence and chronic disease.
While 167 countries levy taxes on alcoholic beverages and 12 enforce total bans, tax levels remain modest.
Global median excise shares stand at 14 per cent for beer and 22.5 per cent for spirits.
Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, warned that cheaper alcohol shifts the burden of harm onto communities, even as industry profits grow.
Health Taxes Seen as Effective Policy Tool
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described health taxes as one of the most effective policy measures available. He said higher taxes could reduce harmful consumption while generating revenue for essential health services.
The WHO has called on countries to strengthen and redesign taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, to raise real prices by 2035 to better protect public health.
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