Flash News

Berisha congratulates Trump on US independence: Celebration that comes after victory over the Ayatollahs' regime

Weapons trafficked from Kosovo to Albania, two arrested, 8 pistols seized

When honor 'kills' more than violence, Lediona Braho for Politiko: Incest, a silent problem in Albanian society

Fire continues at Elbasan incinerator, toxic smoke endangers citizens' health

The USA celebrates its 249th anniversary of Independence

Bota

WHO calls for 50% price hike for tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks

Politiko 2025-07-02 20:41:53

WHO calls for 50% price hike for tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on member states to raise the prices of products such as sugary soft drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over a 10-year period through tax increases. This is the WHO's largest initiative yet to promote so-called "sin taxes" with the aim of improving public health and supporting countries' health budgets, foreign media write. 

According to the WHO, this move will help reduce the consumption of products that contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer, while generating additional revenue at a time when international aid is falling and public debt is rising.

"The health tax is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal. It is time for action," said Jeremy Farrar, WHO's deputy director-general for health promotion.

The initiative, called “3 to 35,” was presented during the UN Development Summit in Seville. According to WHO estimates, this global tax could generate up to $1 trillion in revenue by 2035, taking as examples the practices of countries such as Colombia and South Africa.

This is the first time that WHO has recommended a deliberate price increase for all three product categories at once - tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks. WHO is also considering the possibility of extending the recommendations to highly processed foods.

In a practical example, the WHO says that a middle-income country could increase the price of a product from $4 to $10 by 2035, including inflation. According to statistics, nearly 140 countries have already increased tobacco taxes by over 50% over the past decade.

Latest news

OSZAR »