Raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease, save lives, and strengthen economies, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its latest media briefing on 18 September 2025.
The appeal comes ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, where global leaders will discuss noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health — now among the world’s biggest health and economic challenges.
“Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost – it is one of the smartest economic decisions any government can make,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The cost of inaction
NCDs, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, are responsible for 18 million premature deaths every year before the age of 70. At the same time, more than 1 billion people live with mental health conditions, with suicide the third leading cause of death among young people.
The human toll is immense, but the economic burden is also staggering, draining health systems and slowing down growth.
WHO’s “Best Buys”
WHO has outlined a package of measures — described as “Best Buys” — that countries can implement immediately. These include:
- Raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks
- Protecting children from marketing of unhealthy food
- Promoting physical activity and healthier diets
- Expanding cancer screening
- Improving access to treatment for hypertension
According to WHO, implementing these measures would cost about US$ 3 per person per year, but for every dollar invested, countries could gain up to US$ 7 in social and economic benefits.
By 2030, full implementation could save 12 million lives, prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, and generate over US$ 1 trillion in economic benefits.
Evidence from around the world
Examples already exist:
- Brazil cut smoking rates in half through steady tax increases on tobacco.
- Mexico reduced sugary drink consumption with a targeted soda tax.
- Thailand funds national health promotion through tobacco and alcohol taxes.
These cases show how fiscal policy can directly improve public health while generating government revenue.
A political test
At the UN, countries are expected to adopt a political declaration with ambitious targets, including:
- 150 million fewer tobacco users by 2030
- 150 million more people with access to mental health care
- 150 million more people with controlled hypertension
The real challenge, WHO warns, is overcoming opposition from industries that profit from unhealthy products. Governments that delay will “pay the price in lost lives, rising healthcare costs, and weaker economies.”
22.09.2025.
Photo: Freepik
