50%increase in sugars drinks, alcohol, tobacco prices: who
The World Health Organization is urging the countries to increase the sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% tax within the next decade.
In short
- Who says for 20% price increase on sugars, alcohol and tobacco by 2035
- The purpose of new tax is to reduce chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer
- WHO 3 by 35 scheme for health systems targets $ 1 trillion revenue
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for nations to increase the prices of sugar drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next ten years.
This recommendation is part of a new initiative aimed at curbing chronic health issues and generating revenue for health systems worldwide in the UN Finance for Development Conference in Sevela.
The WHO believes that by implementing these taxes, countries can reduce the consumption of harmful products that contribute to diseases such as diabetes and some cancer. The move is seen as an important step in addressing public health challenges globally.
Jeremy Farrar, who is the Assistant-Director General of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, emphasized the importance of these health taxes, saying, “Health tax we have one of the most efficient tools. It is time to work.”
The WHO’s strategic plan, known as “3 by 35”, targets the ability to raise $ 1 trillion by 2035 from this taxation policy. Such adequate financial boost can be important for countries struggling with reducing development assistance and increasing public debt.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Gabrisus said that these taxes may be able to increase their health systems amidst “adjusting new reality” and development assistance.
This approach not only targets health reforms, but also wants to provide economic flexibility for health services.
WHO Health Economist Guillermo Sandowal explained that, practically, a tax product in a medium -income country can increase from $ 4 to $ 2035 today, taking into account inflation.
The WHO proposal follows evidence from countries such as Columbia and South Africa, where similar taxes have successfully increased prices and reduced consumption. The initiative also states that such fiscal measures can be a powerful tool for health policy.
However, the WHO’s recommendation has fulfilled the opposition of the representatives of the industry. Kate Lotamain, executive director of the International Council of Beverages Association, criticized the policy: “It is deeply related to the fact whether the WHO has continued to disregard in a decade of clear evidence that taxes have never improved due to taxes on Chinese-sweet beverages, or no country has reduced threatening.”
These criticisms highlight the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of taxation as a public health strategy.
Amanda Burjar, Senior Vice President of Science and Research at the Distilled Spirits Council, resonated these concerns, saying, “WHO suggests that increasing taxes will prevent the damage related to alcohol.”
The industry’s response shows who faces possible challenges in implementing the increase in proposed tax. Pushbacks from these regions underline the complexity of balanced economic interests with public health goals.
Despite these criticisms, the tax initiative has gained support from Bloomberg Philanthropy, World Bank and Economic Cooperation and Development Organization (OECD).
These organizations express readiness to help countries wishing to adopt taxes. Their support is important in providing necessary resources and expertise for effective implementation.
Since around 140 countries have already increased tobacco taxes between 2012 and 2022, WHO is also searching for extensive taxation measures on ultra-related foods.
This approach may face more pushbacks, but it outlines commitment to use fiscal policies to improve public health. Agency efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to deal with non-communicable diseases through innovative financial policies.
In addition, in April 2025, a national association led by India’s major medical panel demanded health tax on high foods in fats, sugar and salt as well as strict rules around food marketing to children.
The group led by the Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) called for immediate action to improve food environment for young people, as the obesity rate among adolescents in India.
The group urged to ban the sale of fats, sugar and salt in cannons and to educational institutions, as provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
