WHO calls for 50% tax hike on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by 2035 to curb global health crisis 

GLOBAL – The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments worldwide to raise taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by 50% over the next decade in its strongest call yet for fiscal action to address chronic public health issues. 

The call was launched under a new initiative titled “3 by 35” during the UN Finance for Development conference held in Seville.  

The agency said the targeted tax hikes would not only reduce consumption of harmful products linked to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular illness, but also raise much-needed revenue amid shrinking development aid and rising public debt. 

“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general for health promotion and disease prevention. “It’s time to act.” 

According to the WHO, the measure could generate up to $1 trillion by 2035, drawing on evidence from countries that have implemented similar levies, including Colombia and South Africa. 

This marks the first time the WHO has proposed a specific global price increase target across all three product categories. The organization has historically supported higher tobacco taxes and, more recently, similar measures for sugary drinks and alcohol. 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, told delegates in Seville that these taxes would help countries strengthen their health systems and adapt to current economic challenges. 

In practice, the initiative would see a middle-income country raise the cost of a product from US$4 to US$10 by 2035, factoring in inflation, according to WHO health economist Guillermo Sandoval. 

The WHO also reported that nearly 140 countries had increased tobacco prices by more than 50% between 2012 and 2022. 

Sandoval added that the agency is exploring broader tax recommendations, potentially including ultra-processed foods, pending the finalization of a formal definition in the coming months. However, he acknowledged that resistance from industry stakeholders is anticipated. 

The United States, which is currently withdrawing from the WHO, did not attend the Seville conference. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.