WHO urges 50% Rise in Global Sin Taxes on Tobacco, Alcohol, and Sugary Drinks by 2035
WHO launches “3 by 35” initiative urging countries to raise sin taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 50% by 2035 to save lives and fund health systems
WHO
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched its ambitious “3 by 35” Initiative, urging countries to increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035. The goal is to curb the global rise of chronic diseases and generate critical funding for health and development.
Announcing the initiative, WHO highlighted that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes now account for over 75% of deaths worldwide. The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks is fueling this epidemic. A recent report indicates that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in healthcare, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”
WHO aims to raise US$1 trillion over the next decade through the initiative. Past evidence suggests this goal is realistic: between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, leading to an average real price increase of over 50% and demonstrating that large-scale, effective change is possible.
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Countries like Colombia and South Africa have shown that health taxes can reduce harmful consumption while boosting government revenues. Yet, WHO warned that many countries still provide tax breaks to unhealthy industries, undermining national health goals, and urged governments to review and avoid such exemptions to strengthen public health measures.
The “3 by 35” Initiative is built on strong global collaboration. Led by the WHO, it brings together a network of partners offering technical support, policy advice, and practical guidance to help countries implement effective health taxes. Many nations are now looking to the WHO as they seek to build more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems amid shrinking development aid and rising public debt.
WHO has called on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative to advance “smarter, fairer taxation” that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
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