The World Health Organisation has called on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to save lives.
WHO warns that beverages like sugary drinks and alcohol are too accessible and cost too little in most of the world – helping fuel obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury.
“Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.
“At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus told journalists virtually on Tuesday.