WHO Reports Review Health Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Alcohol Globally

WHO releases two reports reviewing health taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol globally. The reports highlight impacts of such taxes on consumption, non-communicable diseases, government revenue, and gaps in current tax coverage.

WHO Reports on Health Taxes for Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Alcohol:

Dimension	Key Details
Issuing authority	Both reports are released by WHO.
Products covered	Health taxes discussed apply to sugary drinks and alcohol.
Impact on consumption and health	Taxes can reduce consumption of harmful products (sugary drinks and alcohol), providing for prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Non-communicable diseases listed	Obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders.
Fiscal aspect	Taxes can help raise resources for governments to invest in health.
Case study	UK tax on sugary drinks (2018) is associated with reduced sugar consumption, reduced obesity, and increased revenue.
Alcohol taxation issue	Alcohol has become more affordable in most countries even though most countries tax it, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.
Tax gaps for sugary drinks	While sugary drinks (example: carbonated drinks) are taxed, some products escape taxation: 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk, ready-to-drink coffees and teas.