Archive · 14 Jan 2026
WHO Calls for Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol
The World Health Organization (WHO) wants governments to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol.
They say these products are too cheap and cause many diseases.
The WHO has a plan called 3 by 35 to make these products more expensive by 2035.
This will help people stay healthy and save money on medical treatments.
India is already raising taxes on tobacco products, which the WHO supports.
The WHO says that sugary drinks and alcohol are getting cheaper because taxes are not keeping up with inflation.
This is especially bad for children and young adults, who are at risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The WHO wants all countries to have strong tax systems to protect people's health.
WHO calls for higher taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce harmful consumption and fund health services.
India is raising taxes on tobacco products, with a 40% GST on pan masala, cigarettes, and tobacco, and 18% on bidis.
Non-communicable diseases account for over 60% of deaths in India, with sugary drinks and alcohol contributing to obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Global taxes on sugary drinks are weak, with a median tax of 2% of the price, and often only apply to a subset of beverages.
Alcohol taxes are also low, with a median excise share of 14% for beer and 22.5% for spirits, and many countries not adjusting taxes for inflation.
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- What
- Urging governments to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages
- When
- Ongoing, with a target to increase prices by 2035
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on countries with weak tax systems
- Why
- To make harmful products less affordable and prevent diseases
- Organization
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Initiative
- 3 by 35
- Target Products
- Tobacco, Alcohol, Sugary Drinks
- India's Tobacco Tax
- 40% GST on pan masala, cigarettes, tobacco; 18% on bidis
- Global Sugary Drink Taxes
- 116 countries tax sugary drinks, median tax 2% of price
- Global Alcohol Taxes
- 167 countries tax alcohol, 12 ban it, median excise share 14% for beer, 22.5% for spirits
- Health Impact
- Non-communicable diseases account for over 60% of deaths in India
- WHO Director-General
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
