The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to increase their health taxes, or ‘sin tax’ on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50 per cent by 2035, to curb chronic diseases and generate public revenue.
It’s “3 by 35” initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), shrinking development aid and growing public debt, the UN health agency said. The initiative aims to raise $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
“The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are fuelling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75 percent of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50 percent price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years,” it added.
Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, said, health taxes are one of the most efficient tools available, and “they cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection.”
Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, resulting in an increase of real prices by over 50 percent on average, showing that large-scale change is possible. “From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals,” the WHO said, urging governments to review and avoid exemptions, and support effective tobacco control and protect public health.
Led by WHO, the initiative brings together a group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action. These organizations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. “Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to WHO for guidance,” the note said.
