The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments of various countries to significantly increase taxes on alcoholic and sugary beverages. This statement was made as part of two recent global reports from the organization.
WHO specialists emphasize that low tax rates make harmful products accessible, which in turn leads to an increase in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and oncological diseases, as well as injuries, particularly among youth and children. This also creates an additional burden on healthcare systems.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that taxing unhealthy products is one of the most effective methods of disease prevention. It also helps increase revenue for the state budget, which can be used to fund medical services.
According to WHO information, taxes on sugary drinks have been introduced in 116 countries; however, a significant portion of such products remains untaxed. As for alcohol, taxes are in effect in at least 167 countries, but in many cases, the rates are not updated, making alcohol still affordable.
The organization emphasizes that most citizens support increasing taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, which can help reduce the consumption of these harmful products and increase government revenues.
