The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on governments worldwide to significantly increase taxes on alcoholic and sugary beverages. This statement was made as part of two new global reports from the organization.
According to WHO experts, low tax rates on such products make them affordable and contribute to an increase in diseases related to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cancer, especially among youth and children. This, in turn, creates additional burdens on healthcare systems.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that implementing taxes on unhealthy products is one of the most effective methods of disease prevention and can also help increase funding for medical services.
WHO statistics show that excise taxes on sugary drinks are in effect in 116 countries; however, many of these beverages are not taxed. Excise taxes on alcohol are applied in at least 167 countries, but in most of them, the rates are not reviewed, making alcohol still affordable.
WHO emphasizes that the majority of the population supports the initiative to raise taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, which could lead to a reduction in their consumption and an increase in government revenues.
