Geneva, 18 September 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to adopt cost-effective solutions for tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions, warning that progress in reducing related deaths has slowed.
In its new report, WHO highlighted that an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually could generate economic returns of up to US$1 trillion by 2030. NCDs include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said:
“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions kill silently and steal lives, even though the tools exist to save them and ease suffering.”
He pointed to the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, scheduled for 25 September in New York, where heads of state and government are expected to adopt a political declaration committing to cut premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
What Are Noncommunicable Diseases?
NCDs are responsible for the majority of global deaths, while more than 1 billion people worldwide live with mental health disorders. Alarmingly, around 75% of deaths linked to NCDs and mental health conditions occur in low- and middle-income countries, causing an estimated 32 million deaths annually.
These diseases include:
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Cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes)
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Cancers
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Chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma)
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Diabetes
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are also widespread across all countries, affecting people of all ages and income levels. Without urgent and sustained action, WHO warns, millions more lives will be lost prematurely.
WHO’s Call for Concrete Action
The organization urged leaders, partners, and communities to push for strong, practical measures, including:
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Financing and implementing WHO’s “Best Buys” solutions tailored to national contexts
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Imposing higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
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Strengthening primary health care for prevention, early detection, and treatment
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Protecting children from harmful marketing practices
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Expanding access to essential medicines and technologies
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Securing sustainable financing through domestic budgets, health taxes, and targeted aid
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Setting bold national targets and tracking progress with strong accountability
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Preventing industry interference in health policymaking
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