(NewsNation) — The World Health Organization is urging countries to put higher taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to help prevent disease.
Two new reports linked sugary and alcoholic beverages to health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, injuries and cancer.
The reports warned that low tax rates mean the products remain cheap while health systems are burdened with the cost of caring for people with preventable diseases and injuries.
“Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.”
Sugary and alcoholic drinks generate billions in profit around the globe, fueling widespread consumption.
At least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including soda, but many other products, like 100% fruit juice, sweetened milk drinks and coffee and tea drinks, are not taxed. The report also found that while 97% of countries tax energy drinks, there has not been an increase in that number since 2023.
A second report showed that at least 167 countries tax alcohol and 12 ban alcoholic drinks altogether, yet alcohol has still become more affordable or remained unchanged in most countries since 2022. At least 25 countries, mostly European, don’t tax wine despite the health risks associated with alcohol.
The reports found that taxes have failed to keep pace with inflation, meaning sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages have become more affordable over time despite taxes.
A 2022 Gallup Poll found the majority of people support higher taxes on both alcohol and sugary beverages.
