Low Taxes for Sweetened Beverages and Alcohol, WHO Says Cause of High Chronic Disease Cases

Illustration of sweet drinks. (Pexels)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern that sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are now cheaper. This is because low tax rates are consistently in most countries.

With the increasingly cheap price of sweet and alcoholic beverages, WHO said there was an increase in consumption that triggered non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, injuries, especially in children and young adults.

Reports show that at least 116 countries impose taxes on sugary drinks, many of which are sodas. However, many other high-sugar products, such as 100 percent fruit juice, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffee or tea, escape taxation.

Then 97 percent of countries impose taxes on energy drinks. This figure has not changed since the last global report in 2023.

In a separate report, the WHO showed that at least 167 countries tax alcoholic beverages, while 12 countries ban alcohol completely. However, alcohol has become more affordable because taxes fail to keep up with inflation and income growth.

"More affordable alcohol encourages violence, injury, and disease," said WHO's Director of the Department of Health, Promotion, and Prevention, Dr. Etienne Krug, quoted from the WHO official website, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Thus, WHO is asking governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages. The report warns that weak tax systems allow harmful products to remain cheap.

However, this situation puts the health system under increasing financial pressure from non-communicable diseases and injuries that can actually be prevented.

"Health taxes are one of the most powerful tools we have to improve health and prevent disease," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Therefore, WHO recommends increasing taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol products. This is done to reduce their consumption which is harmful to public health.

"By raising taxes on products such as tobacco, sugary drinks and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and fund vital health services," Tedros concluded.