The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a pivotal report urging for increased investment in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues. Titled “Saving lives, spending less,” the report emphasizes that an annual investment of just US$3 per person could generate economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030. This call to action comes amid a troubling slowdown in progress towards reducing NCD mortality, with some countries even witnessing a rise in related deaths.
The WHO’s analysis highlights that while 82% of countries saw reductions in NCD mortality from 2010 to 2019, the pace of improvement has significantly decelerated across most regions. Alarmingly, nearly 75% of deaths attributed to NCDs and mental health conditions occur in low- and middle-income countries, translating to approximately 32 million lives lost each year.
On 25 September 2025, global leaders will gather in New York for the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) focused on preventing and controlling NCDs while promoting mental health. The assembly aims to establish an ambitious Political Declaration that accelerates action and investment in these pressing health issues.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency of addressing these silent killers. “Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are robbing us of lives and innovation,” he stated. Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova have shown significant progress, but many others are lagging. According to Dr. Ghebreyesus, investing in the fight against NCDs is not only economically sound but also vital for the well-being of societies.
NCDs encompass a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are widespread, affecting individuals across all demographics. Without immediate and sustained efforts to address these challenges, millions more lives are at risk of premature loss.
The report revealed that while the majority of countries reduced the risk of dying prematurely from NCDs between 2010 and 2019, 60% experienced a slowdown in progress compared to the previous decade. Notably, Denmark recorded the most significant improvements for both genders, with remarkable declines in mortality from cardiovascular diseases and specific cancers noted in countries including China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.
Despite the availability of cost-effective solutions to combat NCDs and promote mental health, governments often encounter opposition from powerful industries. The tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food sectors frequently lobby against health policies that would protect public health. Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, criticized the prioritization of commercial interests over public health. “It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” he noted.
Implementing WHO’s “Best Buys”—a set of impactful interventions such as taxing tobacco and alcohol, protecting children from harmful marketing, managing hypertension, and increasing cervical cancer screenings—would average just US$3 per person per year. The return on investment is substantial, with potential to save 12 million lives, prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, and generate over US$1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030.
The upcoming HLM4 represents a crucial opportunity for global leaders to recommit to achieving health targets for the next decade. A bold Political Declaration could reshape the future of health policies, ultimately saving lives and enhancing well-being for generations to come. Dr. Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health, stressed the importance of prompt action. “We know what works. The time to act is now,” she stated.
In light of these findings, WHO is calling on leaders, partners, and communities to advocate for definitive actions. The HLM4 meeting is poised to establish an ambitious, action-oriented Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health, grounded in evidence and aimed at delivering substantial impact through and beyond 2030.
