The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the consistent low tax rates in most countries on sugary drinks and that of alcoholic beverages is fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injuries, especially in children and young adults.
This was disclosed in two global reports released on Tuesday as the organization is calling on governments in various countries to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages.
The reports also warned that weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries.
In his reaction, the WHO Director- General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease”.
He added, “By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, Government can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.”
WHO stated further that the combined global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages generates billions of dollars in profit, fueling the widespread consumption and corporate profit. 
Adding that yet governments capture only a relatively small share of this value through health-motivated taxes, leaving societies to bear the long-term health and economic costs.
The reports further showed that at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many of which are sodas, but many other high- sugar products, such as 100% fruit juice, sweetened milk drinks, ready-to- drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.
While 97% of countries tax energy drinks, this figure has not changed since the last global report in 2023.
Meanwhile a separate WHO report showed that at least 167 countries levy taxes on alcoholic beverages, while 12 ban alcohol entirely.
Despite this, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes fail to keep pace with inflation and income growth. Wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, mostly in Europe, despite clear health risks.
WHO found that across regions: tax shares on alcohol remain low with global excise share medians of 14% for beer and 22.5% for spirits;sugary drink taxes are weak and poorly targeted with the median tax accounting for only about 2% of the price of common sugary soda and often applying only to a subset of beverages, missing large parts of the market; and
few countries adjust taxes for inflation, allowing health-harming products to become steadily more affordable.
These trends in tax persist despite a 2022 Gallup Poll finding that the majority of people surveyed supported higher taxes on alcohol and sugary beverages.
WHO called on countries to raise and redesign taxes as part of its new 3 by 35 initiative, which aims to increase the real prices of three products, tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by 2035, making them less affordable over time to help protect people’s health.
