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WHO Unveils '3 by 35' Initiative to Raise Sin Taxes 50% by 2035

The campaign aims to strengthen health systems by raising up to US$1 trillion in domestic revenue over the next decade through higher sin taxes.

Beer cans are displayed in a store in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, July 31, 2018. Picture taken July 31, 2018. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/File Photo
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Overview

  • WHO launched the '3 by 35' campaign at the UN Finance for Development conference in Seville on July 2, calling for a 50% real-price increase on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by 2035.
  • Modeling suggests the measure could generate up to US$1 trillion and avert 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
  • From 2012 to 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes by more than 50%, evidencing reduced consumption in nations like Colombia and South Africa.
  • Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Bank and the OECD pledged technical assistance and policy advice to support government implementation.
  • WHO plans to expand health-tax guidance to ultra-processed foods once it finalizes a formal definition in the coming months.