UN Poised to adopt First Global Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
World leaders are strongly backing a new United Nations political declaration aimed at tackling teh growing global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions in a unified approach. The declaration, the result of five months of international negotiation, will be presented for final approval at the UN General Assembly in October 2025.
yesterday, heads of state, government officials, and health ministers convened for the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health to discuss the proposed declaration.
NCDs – encompassing cardiovascular and lung diseases, cancer, and diabetes – are the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for at least 43 million fatalities in 2021, including 18 million premature deaths of individuals under 70. A disproportionate 82% of thes premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.Moreover, over a billion people worldwide are affected by mental health conditions.
These diseases are on the rise globally,impacting all communities and posing meaningful threats to public health,economic productivity,and sustainable development.
the declaration, titled “Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being,” establishes ambitious global targets for 2030. These include reducing tobacco use by 150 million, bringing hypertension under control for 150 million more people, and expanding access to mental health care for an additional 150 million individuals.
Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the declaration broadens the scope of NCDs to encompass areas like oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and rare diseases.It also addresses critical environmental factors such as air pollution, access to clean cooking solutions, lead exposure, and hazardous chemicals, alongside the emerging risks associated with digital harms – including social media, excessive screen time, harmful content, and misinformation.
The declaration emphasizes stronger regulation of e-cigarettes,new tobacco products,marketing of unhealthy foods to children,clear front-of-pack labeling,and the elimination of trans fats. Crucially, it prioritizes the needs and experiences of those living with NCDs and mental health conditions, as well as vulnerable populations including those impacted by climate change, residents of Small Island Developing States, and individuals in humanitarian crises.
