Tobacco Tax Reforms Show Health and Revenue Benefits
WHO says ambitious policies can make cigarettes less affordable and reduce smoking.
An independent analysis supported by the World Health Organization examined cigarette taxation in 15 emerging economies between 2009 and 2025. It found that all 15 improved their policies, while the strongest results came from large, predictable tax increases and simpler systems.
The Philippines raised the real price of its most-sold cigarette brand by an estimated 638 percent between 2008 and 2024. Smoking prevalence fell by roughly one third between 2010 and 2025, and part of the revenue supported universal health coverage. WHO warns that small increases can lose their effect when incomes and inflation rise.
Source: World Health Organization, 2026-09-30.
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WHO says ambitious policies can make cigarettes less affordable and reduce smoking. Add one supporting fact from the article.
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- WHO says ambitious policies can make cigarettes less affordable and reduce smoking.
- WHO says more countries support older people, but funding, data and access remain uneven.
- The guidance says planning, water, cooling and on-site care can prevent many illnesses.
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