WHO Urges Countries to Impose Health Taxes – 50% Price Hike on Sugary Drinks, Tobacco, and Alcohol | WPN World People News

According to media reports, the World Health Organization (WHO), during the United Nations Financing for Development conference held in Seville, Spain, called on countries to increase the prices of sugary beverages, tobacco, and alcohol by 50% through the implementation of health taxes over the next decade. The goal is to reduce the consumption of harmful substances and boost government revenues to address the growing public health crisis.

Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, stated that using health taxes to raise product prices can help lower the incidence of diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also noted that the increased revenue could be used to support healthcare systems.

The report further mentioned that the WHO added that between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries had already increased tobacco taxes and prices by 50%. The newly proposed measures are expected to generate up to USD 1 trillion (approximately NTD 32 trillion) in tax revenue for countries by 2035, although resistance from related industries is anticipated.