Global Initiative: WHO Launches Extensive Tax Hike on Tobacco, Alcohol, and Sugary Drinks to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases
Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the launch of an ambitious program to significantly increase the prices of products that heavily impact public health. Known as the '3 by 35' initiative, the goal is to raise the cost of tobacco products, alcohol, and sugary beverages by at least 50% across the globe by the year 2035. This measure aims not only to curb consumption but also to generate vital financial resources needed to support healthcare systems and social development efforts. According to WHO, elevating the prices through new taxation will help reduce the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes — conditions responsible for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. The organization estimates that a single 50% price increase could save approximately 50 million lives over the next 50 years. The overarching objective is to attract at least one trillion dollars in funding over the next decade to bolster global health initiatives. Over the past ten years, around 140 countries have already increased taxes on tobacco, raising real prices by an average of more than 50%, demonstrating the potential for large-scale, effective change in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.