WHO insists on raising taxes on alcohol

Following the UN's refusal last week to demonize alcoholic beverages, the World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call for countries to increase taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks, aiming to raise the real prices of these products by at least 50% by 2035. The announcement was made by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the opening remarks at the 77th Session of the Regional Committee of WHO for the Americas, held in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Tedros emphasized that health taxes are a proven tool to generate domestic resources and improve public health outcomes. He pointed out that several countries in the Americas have already implemented similar measures, demonstrating that such policies are feasible and effective. The “3 by 35” initiative, launched by WHO last month, seeks to support governments in adopting higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages as part of a broader strategy to combat noncommunicable diseases and reduce health system burdens.

The Director-General addressed ministers and health officials from across the region, highlighting the urgent need for new sources of funding as many countries face cuts in official development assistance. He argued that increasing health taxes can help countries become more self-reliant and less dependent on foreign aid. Dr. Tedros also noted that these taxes not only discourage unhealthy consumption but also provide governments with additional revenue to invest in health services.

The proposed tax increases would have a direct impact on the beverage and alcohol industries, which are likely to face higher production costs and potential declines in sales if consumption drops as a result of higher prices. The regulatory framework outlined by WHO calls for coordinated action among member states to ensure that tax hikes are substantial enough to achieve public health goals.

Dr. Tedros’s remarks come at a time when WHO itself is experiencing financial challenges due to the withdrawal of funding from major donors, including the United States and Argentina. He acknowledged that these developments have forced the organization to implement cost-saving measures and reduce its workforce. Despite these difficulties, he stressed that investing in public health remains essential for long-term stability and resilience.

The session also reviewed progress on disease elimination, primary health care, maternal mortality reduction, and digital health initiatives in the Americas. Dr. Tedros congratulated countries like Brazil and Suriname for their achievements in eliminating diseases such as measles and malaria.

In his address, Dr. Tedros urged member states to use every available tool to finance health systems more sustainably. He called on governments to actively participate in ongoing negotiations related to global pandemic preparedness and to support reforms aimed at strengthening WHO’s capacity.

The push for higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks is expected to spark debate among policymakers, industry representatives, and public health advocates throughout the region. While some governments have already taken steps in this direction, others may face resistance from industry groups concerned about economic impacts.

WHO maintains that evidence supports the effectiveness of health taxes in reducing consumption of harmful products and generating revenue for essential services. The organization has pledged technical support for countries willing to adopt these measures as part of their national health strategies.

As discussions continue at the regional committee meeting, attention will focus on how member states respond to WHO’s recommendations and whether they will commit to implementing significant tax increases by 2035. The outcome could shape public health policy across the Americas for years to come.