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WHO Urges Tax Hikes on Sugary Drinks, Alcohol

1/15/2026

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Summary

WHO Urges Health Taxes

The World Health Organization released two reports urging governments to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to cut consumption and fund health services.
The reports note inadequate taxation of high-sugar products, including wine untaxed in at least 25 countries, and describe a plan to raise prices by 50% by 2035.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health taxes are crucial for reducing consumption and funding health services.

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WHO Urges Health Taxes

The World Health Organization released two reports urging governments to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to cut consumption and fund health services.
The reports note inadequate taxation of high-sugar products, including wine untaxed in at least 25 countries, and describe a plan to raise prices by 50% by 2035.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health taxes are crucial for reducing consumption and funding health services.