UN agencies endorse taxes by gov’t on alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have backed the Government’s move to increase taxes on alcohol and cigarettes and to introduce a tax on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages, arguing that the measures will better serve the public interest.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams last week announced the new revenue measures as part of the proposed national Budget for the 2026–2027 financial year, which begins on April 1.

In a media release on Friday, the organisations argued that the fiscal measures will help reduce preventable illnesses and strengthen the sustainability of the national health system.

They said strong global evidence shows that increasing taxes on tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and sugar-sweetened drinks is one of the most effective strategies to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs), prevent premature deaths, and improve population health.

The measures, they noted, are endorsed by the WHO as “best buys” — high-impact, cost-effective interventions suitable for countries at all income levels.

“Tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages are major drivers of heart disease, cancers, diabetes, obesity, and injuries,” the organisations said.

The entities expressed the view that international experience demonstrates that making these products less affordable reduces consumption — particularly among young people — while easing long-term pressure on health services and public finances.

“The Government of Jamaica is advancing policies grounded in strong global evidence,” said Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO Representative in Jamaica.

“These measures will help reduce preventable illness, lower avoidable health care costs, and support the country’s commitments to sustainable development.”

PAHO/WHO further emphasised that health-promoting fiscal policies not only reduce risk factors but also create fiscal space to reinvest in prevention, primary care, and universal health coverage — thereby strengthening resilience across the health system.

From a child-rights and equity perspective, the benefits are significant, the organisations argued, noting that children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the marketing and availability of unhealthy products, increasing their risk of lifelong disease.

“Protecting children’s health means shaping environments that enable healthy choices,” said Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative.

“Evidence-based pricing measures reduce children’s exposure to harmful products while creating opportunities to reinvest in services that support families. This is a smart and equitable approach that puts children first.”

PAHO/WHO and UNICEF commended the Government’s leadership in advancing policies grounded in science and the public interest, demonstrating a forward-looking commitment to health, equity, and sustainable national development.

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