Nigeria, Jan. 14 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments to turn up the heat on sugary drinks and alcohol by sharply increasing taxes, arguing that cheaper prices are costing lives.

According to the global health body, sugar-laden beverages and alcohol are sold at pocket-friendly prices in many countries, making them easy prey for consumers and quietly stoking obesity, diabetes, cancer and injuries.

"Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus told journalists virtually on Tuesday.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in he...