With its strongest support to yet for taxes as a means of addressing long-term public health issues, the World Health Organization is urging nations to increase the prices of alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-filled beverages by 50% over the next ten years.
In addition to earning money at a time when public debt is rising and development aid is decreasing, the United Nations health agency said the action will help reduce use of the items, which are linked to ailments like diabetes and some types of cancer.
WHO assistant-director general of health promotion and disease prevention and control Jeremy Farrar stated, “Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have.” “It’s time to act.”
