The World Health Organization recommends countries to increase the prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 50%.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to increase the prices of tobacco, alcoholic products, and sugar-containing beverages by at least 50% by the year 2035. This was announced on the organization's official website.
The initiative aims to reduce the risk of non-communicable (chronic) diseases and generate additional revenue for state budgets. The campaign is known as “3 by 35.” According to the WHO, such measures would also help finance health systems combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
It is noted that the global NCD epidemic is closely linked to the high consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary soft drinks. Among these diseases are cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes, which are responsible for over 75% of global deaths.
According to a recently published report, a one-time 50% price increase on such products could prevent the premature death of 50 million people over the next 50 years.
"Health taxes are one of the most effective tools we have. They help reduce the consumption of harmful products and provide governments with additional income. These funds can be reinvested into health care, education, and social protection systems. The time to act is now,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Healthier Populations, Prevention, and Control of Diseases.
