World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new initiative to help countries reduce the burden of chronic diseases and raise vital funds by increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
The ‘3 by 35’ Initiative urges governments to boost the real prices of these products by at least 50% by 2035, with the goal of preventing premature deaths and generating public revenue.
According to Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, health taxes are a highly effective tool in reducing the consumption of harmful products and generating revenue for governments to invest in healthcare, education, and social protection.
“They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection,” he said.
Farrar noted that non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for more than three-quarters of all deaths worldwide.
He emphasized that a one-time 50% price rise could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years, while generating $1 trillion in public revenue.
The WHO highlighted the success of tobacco tax increases, noting that nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes between 2012 and 2022.
Farrar said this demonstrates that such changes are both possible and effective in reducing the burden of chronic diseases.
