In a compelling call to action, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), urging nations worldwide to invest urgently in preventive measures that could save up to 12 million lives by the year 2030. The organization emphasizes that not only is this a health imperative, but it also represents a significant economic opportunity, with potential benefits estimated at around USD 1 trillion.
As the United Nations (UN) prepares for the upcoming High-Level Meeting on NCD prevention scheduled for September 25, WHO unveiled its latest report titled “Saving Lives, Spending Less: The Global Investment Case for Noncommunicable Diseases” during a virtual press conference on September 18. This report offers a sobering overview of the current state of physical and mental health across the globe and advocates for cost-effective interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fortifying health systems worldwide.
NCDs, which encompass diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory conditions, are the leading cause of mortality in most countries, claiming more than 43 million lives annually. Alarmingly, this figure includes 18 million premature deaths. The WHO reports that hundreds of millions of individuals are currently living with at least one NCD, which detrimentally impacts both the quality of life and overall longevity.
While it is noteworthy that 82 percent of countries managed to reduce NCD mortality rates between 2010 and 2019, progress has significantly slowed in the current decade. Post-pandemic data reveals a troubling uptick in NCD-related deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income nations where inadequate healthcare access contributes to approximately 32 million fatalities each year. Without immediate and effective global action, projections indicate that over 150 million people could face premature death from NCDs.
“There is no country on earth that isn’t now, and in the coming years is going to be challenged by the issues of NCDs and mental health,” warned Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Chief Scientist. He pointed to demographic shifts and the prevalence of multimorbidity—where individuals suffer from multiple health conditions—as increasingly pressing concerns for health systems globally, including those in affluent nations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted another alarming statistic: more than three million individuals lose their lives annually due to unsafe or inequitable access to healthcare. Furthermore, over one billion people worldwide grapple with mental health challenges, with suicide tragically ranking among the top causes of death among young people.
“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation,” Ghebreyesus stated emphatically. He urged that countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are setting commendable examples in combating NCDs, while many others lag behind. “Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies,” he added.
The WHO report attributes the prevalent risk factors for NCDs—such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy dietary habits, excessive sugar consumption, and physical inactivity—to the alarming global health crisis. The impact of rapid urbanization has compounded these issues, leaving many nations struggling with rising debt, economic pressures, and constrained fiscal resources that impede sustainable development and healthcare investments.
Etienne Krug, WHO Director for Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention, remarked on the formidable financial interests opposing health-promoting policies. “There are a whole series of unhealthy products on the market right now, ranging from tobacco to unhealthy foods and alcohol. Governments must muster the resolve to confront these powerful companies,” he said, emphasizing that without action to promote healthy products and curtail the sale of unhealthy ones, progress against NCDs will remain stagnant.
According to the report, implementing relatively low-cost health policies could yield significant returns and fast-track progress toward the SDGs while enhancing public health. The WHO estimates that if every individual were to invest just USD 3 annually, it could potentially save up to 12 million lives between 2025 and 2030—equivalent to around 150 million healthy life years. Economically, this could generate an astounding USD 1 trillion in benefits globally, representing a four-to-one return on investment. By 2035, these gains are expected to further increase, with every dollar invested yielding up to seven dollars in economic benefits.
Several low- and middle-income nations have already experienced health and economic improvements after enacting policies to limit access to harmful substances. For instance, Brazil transitioned from having the sixth-cheapest cigarettes in the world to enforcing the highest tobacco tax rate in the Americas in 2018, resulting in a notable reduction in smoking rates and saving countless lives.
Similarly, integrating hypertension control services into primary care in countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and the Philippines has enabled millions to effectively manage their blood pressure. The Philippines, in particular, has recorded an impressive 80 percent rate of controlled blood pressure among patients following these interventions.
Yet, despite these success stories globally, the United States continues to struggle in addressing the rising tide of NCDs, ranking among the countries most affected by these diseases, particularly regarding obesity rates. Despite spending a disproportionately high amount on healthcare compared to other nations, the U.S. has not effectively maximized public health outcomes. Ghebreyesus emphasized that investing in policies that encourage healthy practices and prevent disease could address the underlying causes of NCDs and potentially save millions of lives.
Ghebreyesus also expressed concern regarding the United States’ impending withdrawal from WHO, noting its historical role as the organization’s largest contributor. He cautioned that this departure could result in significant setbacks in public health. The new amendments to WHO’s policies include critical insights into global vulnerabilities identified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be essential for tackling NCDs moving forward.
As the world faces this critical crossroads, the call for urgency in addressing non-communicable diseases is clearer than ever. The time for action is now.
