UNITED NATIONS, September 26 – In a pivotal gathering at the United Nations on September 25, world leaders convened to tackle the pressing issues surrounding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. This high-level meeting, held during the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA80), was organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and aimed to forge a path toward equity and integrated health responses.
The conference drew numerous heads of state and government, many of whom voiced concerns about the likelihood of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. Participants underscored the critical need for enhanced global cooperation and financing to drive health promotion and disease prevention, particularly in addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to the rising rates of premature deaths from NCDs.
According to WHO statistics, NCDs are the leading cause of premature death worldwide, claiming over 43 million lives in the previous year alone, with 18 million of those being classified as premature. Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy-Secretary General, highlighted the alarming statistic that one person under the age of 70 dies from an NCD every two seconds. Additionally, roughly one billion people across the globe live with mental health conditions, while 2.8 billion struggle to afford a healthy diet. The burden of NCDs disproportionately falls on low- and middle-income countries, particularly those affected by conflict and crisis.
“Every premature death from NCDs is lost potential,” stated Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). “Every untreated mental health condition is a missed opportunity for inclusion and dignity. If we place solidarity, equity, and investment at the core of our response, we can reverse current trends and ensure that NCDs and mental health conditions are no longer barriers to sustainable development, but drivers of shared progress for humanity.”
In recent years, progress in addressing NCDs and mental health issues has stalled, exacerbating existing inequities. In response to this alarming trend, the UN has set forth three new targets: reducing the global tobacco user population by 150 million, increasing access to mental health care for 150 million more individuals, and bringing hypertension under control for an additional 150 million people.
“To achieve these targets, we must strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation of universal health coverage,” emphasized Mohammed. “We must collaborate across sectors to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants that shape our lives. Furthermore, we must prioritize psychosocial care in crisis settings and ensure that individuals living with NCDs are at the forefront of our efforts.”
Several speakers at the meeting highlighted systemic weaknesses in national health systems, particularly the misallocation of funding that hampers effective response efforts. There was a consensus that future investments should prioritize disease awareness and prevention over treatment. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever noted that investing in prevention is not only more cost-effective than treatment but also yields higher returns by reducing productivity losses and alleviating pressure on healthcare systems.
“Health does not begin in clinics and hospitals; it starts in our homes, schools, streets, and workplaces,” remarked Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “It is found in the food we eat, the products we consume, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the conditions in which we work.”
Despite the pressing need for mental health services, global expenditure remains woefully inadequate, averaging only USD 2 per capita, and dipping below 25 cents in certain developing nations. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji highlighted the widespread impact of mental health challenges on Fijian families, particularly among youth grappling with trauma, stress, and substance abuse, which hinder social development.
“Mental illness is one of the most persistent NCDs yet too often it remains invisible,” said Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua. “Its burden on health productivity and dignity is greater than any other chronic illness, but stigma silences voices and delays urgent care. Our government is committed to transforming mental health into a national priority through collaborative partnerships with families, community organizations, and regional allies.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas expressed concern for the vulnerability of healthcare systems in coastal communities, noting that a single hurricane can devastate years of economic progress, crippling health systems when they are needed most. He also pointed out that limited funding and support for gender-specific research often leave women and girls—who are disproportionately affected by NCDs and mental health challenges—overlooked in response strategies.
The importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits as a strategy for combating NCDs and enhancing mental health was emphasized by several speakers. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname advocated for stricter limits on screen time and social media usage, warning of their detrimental effects on mental health and social development, particularly for young girls.
Glenn Micallef, the European Commission’s Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sports, highlighted the role of arts and culture in preventing and managing NCDs, noting their contributions to social cohesion and improved mental well-being. He also pointed to the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to expand access to arts and culture.
Moreover, the meeting stressed the importance of physical activity as a preventive measure against NCDs and mental health issues. Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee and a double Olympic swimming champion, noted that a staggering 80% of adolescents and one-third of adults fail to engage in sufficient physical activity, which could lead to 500 million new cases of preventable diseases by 2030. Coventry shared her personal experience with asthma and how swimming helped her manage her condition without excessive medication.
“Development banks worldwide have pledged ten billion dollars by 2030 for sport and sustainable development projects,” Coventry added. “This commitment reflects a growing understanding that investing in sports can create positive ripple effects for health, education, inclusion, and youth empowerment.”
During the meeting, member states discussed a political declaration addressing NCDs and mental health, encouraging stakeholders to accelerate efforts and set clear goals for 2030, including a one-third reduction in premature NCD mortality and a decrease of 150 million tobacco users. This declaration is notable for being among the first to explicitly include mental health in its language.
However, despite strong support from many member states and regional alliances, the declaration ultimately failed to receive formal endorsement due to objections from some countries, including a veto from the United States. The declaration will now be subject to a vote at the General Assembly, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving a unified global approach to these pressing health issues.
