WHO, together with global health leaders, will convene on 25 September at the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to discuss a historic Political Declaration aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing health challenges: noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions.

NCDs are responsible for nearly 75% of all global deaths, while more than one billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions. The Political Declaration, expected to be endorsed at HLM4, sets out a bold vision to accelerate prevention efforts, strengthen health systems, and integrate mental health services, with the goal of reducing premature deaths and promoting overall well-being.

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Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs): A Brief Overview

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions that are not transmitted from person to person. They are generally chronic in nature and tend to progress slowly over time. The four main types of NCDs are:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart attacks, strokes).
  2. Cancers.
  3. Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma).
  4. Diabetes.

Key Facts:

  • NCDs are responsible for approximately 75% of global deaths, claiming around 43 million lives annually.
  • 18 million deaths occur prematurely (before age 70), mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol.
  • NCDs carry a huge economic burden, costing trillions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare expenses globally.

Global Response:
WHO and global partners are committed to prevention, early detection, and integrated care to reduce mortality and improve quality of life. NCDs are a core target of Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, aiming to reduce premature deaths by one-third by 2030.

“Today, world leaders have taken a set of landmark steps to beat NCDs,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “These add up to a historic opportunity to promote health, save lives, and grow economies.”

The HLM4 discussions will emphasize cross-sector collaboration, investment in primary health care, and innovation to reduce the economic burden of NCDs and mental health conditions, which cost the global economy trillions annually.

Key Statistics

  • Global Deaths from NCDs: In 2021, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for at least 43 million deaths, accounting for approximately 75% of all non-pandemic-related deaths globally.
  • Premature Mortality: Of these NCD deaths, 18 million occurred before the age of 70, with 82% of these premature deaths taking place in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Over one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions.

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WHO’s Commitment

  • Political Declaration: The Fourth High-Level Meeting aims to adopt a new, ambitious, and achievable political declaration on NCDs and mental health, focusing on equity and integration to transform lives and livelihoods through leadership and action.
  • SDG Target 3.4: WHO is committed to reducing by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promoting mental health and well-being by 2030.

Challenges and Opportunities

  • Equity Gap: Underinvestment in health services has created significant equity gaps in care and support for people affected by NCDs and mental health conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Progress Monitoring: The WHO’s 2025 NCD Progress Monitor provides a snapshot of country progress toward meeting global NCD targets, highlighting areas of success and those requiring further attention.

This meeting is expected to galvanize governments, industry stakeholders, and innovators to align on a shared roadmap for progress, a key milestone for health leaders seeking to transform prevention, care delivery, and policy.