The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks.

In one of two new global reports (the other report covered the use of alcohol taxes) released last week the WHO warned that weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases.

This growing affordability is linked to increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancers, with children and young adults, facing some of the greatest risks.

In NZ sugary drinks are a major health concern and a study conducted by Health Coalition Aotearoa in 2024 revealing that the consumption of these drinks accounted for a third of NZ’s average household drinks budget led to renewed calls for a sugary drinks tax here.

“The findings of this study are a stark reminder of the urgent need to drive down consumption of sugary drinks with an industry levy,” Health Coalition Aotearoa food policy expert panel co-chair Sande Gates said.

Lead author, Heart Foundation Senior Fellow Dr Helen Eyles said the study findings showed that Government intervention was needed to achieve the necessary declines in consumption to reduce the risks of disease.

The WHO recommends no more than six teaspoons of sugar per person, per day.

Major risks posed by high dietary consumption of free sugars also include dental caries which the NZ Dental Association says is also a significant health problem in NZ. ‘Good oral health is not only a vital component of general health but also a basic human right.’  

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said “Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease.

"By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.”

Among other findings, the report on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes showed that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks – including sodas or carbonated canned drinks – other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Download the report HERE.