By Micah Jonah
January 14, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that low taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol are keeping prices artificially affordable, undermining global efforts to combat chronic health conditions linked to their consumption.
In two reports released on Tuesday, the WHO said sugar sweetened beverages became more affordable in 62 countries in 2024 compared with 2022. In a separate assessment, the agency found that beer was more affordable in 56 countries over the same period.
The findings highlight what the WHO described as a major policy failure at a time when countries are struggling with rising cases of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, other non communicable illnesses linked to excessive sugar and alcohol intake.
The UN health agency has repeatedly urged governments to raise taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, arguing that higher prices would reduce consumption while generating much needed revenue as development aid declines and public debt rises.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health taxes are challenging but effective when properly designed.
Health taxes are not a silver bullet, they are not simple. They can be politically unpopular, attract opposition from powerful industries, but when done right, they are a powerful tool for improving public health, he said.
In 2025, the WHO launched the “3 by 35” initiative, calling on countries to increase prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50 percent over the next decade through taxation.
The organization estimates the initiative could generate up to one trillion dollars globally by 2035, citing successful tax policies already implemented in countries such as Colombia and South Africa.
Major food and beverage companies including Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Mondelez have come under increased scrutiny, particularly in the United States, where Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has promoted the Make America Healthy Again agenda, urging reduced consumption of highly processed foods and sugar heavy products.
The WHO said stronger taxation policies remain one of the most effective tools available to governments seeking to improve public health outcomes while strengthening domestic revenue generation.
