New Delhi, July 3 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) today unveiled its ambitious "3 by 35" initiative, urging nations to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035.
The initiative comes as a direct response to the rising global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which now account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide.
"Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have," said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO in a statement here. "They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It's ...