Sheinbaum: Taxes on soft drinks and tobacco will finance health fund

In a morning press conference packed with announcements, President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled a measure that seeks to transform public health in Mexico: the increase in taxes on soft drinks and tobacco will not just be an additional fiscal resource, but will be channeled directly into a health fund to treat illnesses resulting from their consumption.

Mexico has faced a serious problem for decades: excessive consumption of sugary drinks and tobacco is linked to the rise of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and lung cancer.

Sheinbaum made it clear: “All funds raised go directly to a health fund.”

The goal is simple but compelling: that every peso raised will be used for medical care and prevention programs.

In communities like Iztapalapa, Juárez, and León, mothers describe how medical expenses for diabetes have consumed their life savings. Faced with this reality, the new policy seeks to return the proceeds from taxes on harmful products to Mexican families in the form of treatment, hospitals, and prevention .

It's an attempt at social justice: that products that affect health are, at the same time, the means to finance solutions.

In the case of tobacco , the goal will be identical: to strengthen the health fund.

Regarding video games , the president ruled out a ban, but warned that the new tax is related to security and online content . In upcoming reports, the government will provide details on how this sector will be regulated, especially to protect minors.

Public health experts welcome the measure, provided there is transparency in the use of resources . The fund will finance programs to combat childhood obesity , strengthen public hospitals, and guarantee free treatment for chronic diseases.

Furthermore, by encouraging consumption reduction, the country is expected to take a step forward in preventing non-communicable diseases .

Next Thursday, the Health Cabinet will provide technical details on the initiative: how the fund will be managed, which institutions will be responsible, and what specific goals will be set for 2025.

Success will depend on resources reaching those who need them most and on taxes actually acting as a brake on excessive consumption .