The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary and alcoholic beverages.[1][2] Weak tax systems allow these harmful products to remain cheap, while health systems face increasing financial pressure from non-communicable diseases and preventable injuries.[1][3] Low taxes contribute to increases in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.[1][3] At least 116 countries have a special tax on drinks such as lemonade, but sweetened milk, coffee or tea drinks or 100% fruit juices, for example, are exempt from it.[1][4] Between 2022 and 2024, beer became more affordable in 57 countries and less affordable in 37 states.[1] At least 25 countries, mainly European, do not have an excise tax on wine.[1] WHO recommends that excise duty should apply to all alcoholic beverages.[1] As part of the "3 to 35" initiative, it called for a 50 percent increase in the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by 2035 through higher taxes.[2]