The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are becoming cheaper worldwide due to low taxes. This price drop fuels serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and injuries, especially in children and young adults. WHO released two reports on January 13, 2026, highlighting this urgent issue. WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease." He urged governments to increase taxes on tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol to reduce harmful consumption and support vital health services. The sugary drinks and alcohol markets earn billions in profit, but governments collect only a small part through health taxes, leaving societies to bear huge health and economic costs. At least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, mostly sodas, but many sugary products like fruit juices and sweetened milk drinks are not taxed. Energy drink taxes remain steady, with 97% of countries taxing them. For alcohol, 167 countries impose taxes, and 12 ban it, yet alcohol prices stay stable or drop because taxes do not keep up with inflation and income growth. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, mostly in Europe, despite clear health risks. WHO stressed that while companies profit, the public suffers health consequences. Now, WHO calls for raising and redesigning taxes under its 3 by 35 initiative. The goal is to increase real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 2035 to make them less affordable and protect public health.