Event

Cheaper Drinks, Costly Consequences

13th January 2026 · 15:00 - 16:00
Event flyer NCDA WHO event 'Cheaper Drinks, costly consequences'

 

As alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages become increasingly affordable, with low or unchanged taxes, consumption will rise, especially among young people, driving obesity, diabetes, cancers, injuries and more. The health toll is growing, and so are the economic costs. 

Two new WHO reports take a hard look at global taxation of alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages, revealing striking trends, policy gaps, and missed opportunities for action. 

Join the World Health Organization and NCD Alliance for a virtual event to launch these reports. Hear from leading experts and country representatives on what the evidence means for health and finance, why taxation works, and how governments can act now to protect populations and reduce long-term costs. 

The event takes place at 15:00 to 16:00 CET/ 9:00-10:00 EST.

 

 

Confirmed speakers

Jaimie Guerra - MODERATOR
Senior Communications Officer, World Health Organization
Anne-Marie Perucic
Economist, World Health Organization
Ceren Ozer
Senior Economist, World Bank
Mahen Bheekhee
Director, Ministry of Finance, Mauritius
Mahen Bheekhee photo
Ananda Rathnayaka
Chairman, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), Sri Lanka
Ogweno Stephen
CEO, Stowelink Foundation
Alison Cox
Policy and Advocacy Director, NCD Alliance
Alison Cox portrait
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