WHO Urges Nations to Hike Taxes on Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, Tobacco by 50 Percent

Consumption of the items is contributing to a noncommunicable diseases ‘epidemic,’ the agency said.

The WHO called on nations to increase the prices of sugary drinks by at least 50 percent over the next decade, as part of wider efforts to curb chronic diseases.successo images/Shutterstock

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on nations to increase the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by at least 50 percent over the next decade, at a press conference on July 2; part of wider efforts to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue.

The WHO unveiled the new health taxation initiative, dubbed “3 by 35” at the U.N. Finance for Development conference in Seville.