Sugary drinks and alcohol are too cheap and too widely available in much of the world, fuelling rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury, the World Health Organization warned on Tuesday.
In response, WHO is urging governments to significantly increase and redesign taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks, following the release of two new global reports showing that current tax levels remain insufficient in many regions.
“Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“At the same time, they generate revenue that can be invested in health, education and social protection.”
What the new reports show
Sugary drinks
The WHO report on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes finds that:
- 116 countries tax sugary drinks such as sodas and carbonated beverages
- However, many high-sugar products escape taxation, including:
- 100% fruit juices
- Sweetened milk drinks
- Ready-to-drink coffees and teas
As a result, consumers often switch to equally sugary alternatives that remain untaxed.
Alcohol
The report on alcohol taxation shows that:
- 167 countries tax beer, wine and spirits
- Yet alcohol has become more affordable or stayed the same price in most countries since 2022
- This is largely because taxes are not adjusted for inflation or rising incomes
Why it matters for public health
Regular consumption of sugary drinks is strongly linked to:
- Excess weight and obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dental decay and osteoporosis
Alcohol consumption is associated with:
- Increased risks to maternal and child health
- Higher exposure to communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Mental-health harm
- Greater risk of injury and violence
WHO stresses that raising taxes consistently leads to lower consumption of these harmful products.
Proof that taxes work
WHO Director-General Tedros highlighted the United Kingdom as a successful example. After introducing a sugary drinks tax in 2018:
- Sugar consumption fell
- The policy generated £338 million in revenue in 2024 alone
- Obesity rates declined among girls aged 10–11, particularly in deprived communities
A broader health push
The call to raise beverage taxes is part of a new WHO health initiative aimed at reducing:
- Tobacco use
- Harmful alcohol consumption
- Excessive intake of sugary drinks
WHO is urging governments to see health taxes not as punishment, but as a proven, cost-effective tool to:
- Save lives
- Reduce pressure on health systems
- Fund essential public services
