WHO Pushes Health Taxes to Curb Chronic Diseases, Save 50 Million Lives
Global health body urges nations to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 50% by 2035 to fight noncommunicable diseases and boost public revenue
At a pivotal moment for global public health and sustainable development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a clarion call: raise health taxes or risk an escalating epidemic of chronic disease, premature deaths, and economic strain. Speaking at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Conference in Sevilla, Spain, WHO unveiled a bold new campaign — the ‘3 by 35 Initiative’ — aimed at saving lives and mobilising domestic financing through strategic taxation.
Under this initiative, governments are being urged to increase the real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages by at least 50% by 2035. The WHO argues that these so-called “health risk products” are driving a silent but deadly global health crisis, one that is preventable and economically reversible with political will and evidence-based fiscal policies.
The Science of Taxation for Public Health
According to Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, health taxes represent one of the most powerful tools for public health transformation:
“They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection.”
Farrar notes that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) — such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness — now account for more than 75% of all global deaths. Alarmingly, many of these deaths are premature, preventable, and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries.
The Math: 50% Price Hike = 50 Million Lives Saved
WHO projections indicate that a one-time 50% price hike on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks could:
- Prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years
- Generate over $1 trillion in public revenues
These figures present a compelling case for governments struggling with ballooning healthcare costs, revenue shortfalls, and the long-term economic toll of untreated chronic illnesses.
Tobacco Taxes: A Proven Blueprint
The WHO backed its call with hard data: between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes — and in many of those countries, smoking rates dropped while public revenues surged.
This historical trend offers a clear precedent: fiscal measures not only reshape consumer behaviour but also empower governments to expand universal health coverage and social safety nets without relying on debt or donor dependency.
Implications for Nigeria and Africa: A Policy Imperative
For countries like Nigeria, where rising cases of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and alcohol-related illnesses threaten healthcare systems, the ‘3 by 35’ framework could be a game-changer.
Nigeria’s recent sin tax policy on sugary beverages and cigarettes — though modest — signals a policy direction that aligns with WHO recommendations. However, experts say more aggressive reforms are needed:
- Broader tax coverage to include local gin (ogogoro) and imported spirits
- Stronger regulatory enforcement and tracking of illicit markets
- Public awareness campaigns linking taxes to health and development outcomes
Public Health = Smart Economics
Health taxes, often derided as “nanny state” measures, are increasingly being reframed by economists as smart fiscal policies. They reduce long-term healthcare expenditures, improve population productivity, and provide predictable, earmarked revenue streams for health infrastructure, clean water, education, and poverty alleviation.
In an era where global economies are grappling with post-pandemic recovery, climate shocks, and rising debt burdens, health taxes offer a rare triple dividend: better health outcomes, reduced fiscal pressure, and a more resilient society.
The Bottom Line: Tax Now, Save Lives Later
The WHO’s 3 by 35 initiative is more than a public health recommendation — it’s a policy roadmap for sustainable development. For governments, especially in the Global South, embracing health taxes is not just about curbing excess — it’s about ensuring access, equity, and economic resilience.
As WHO’s Farrar succinctly put it, “It’s not just about cutting sugar or cigarettes — it’s about buying time, lives, and futures.”
