World Health Organisation says alcohol is now 'too affordable'

Health body links low taxes to rising disease burden

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging governments to raise and redesign alcohol taxes, claiming alcoholic drinks have become “too affordable” despite rising health burdens.

In two global reports released yesterday (13 January), the UN agency stated that sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are getting cheaper due to consistently low tax rates in most countries. WHO argues this is fuelling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injuries, particularly among children and young adults.

The organisation said governments should “significantly strengthen taxes” on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages. It warned that weak tax systems are keeping harmful products cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

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