India, Jan. 14 -- Beverages like sugary drinks and alcohol are too accessible and cost too little in most of the world - helping fuel obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday.

WHO is calling on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, as two new reports reveal that levies remain low across many regions.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

Among other findings, the report on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes shows 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...