Introduction
In a significant step towards global health improvement, nations have united to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health disorders at a recent UN conference. After five months of negotiations facilitated by Luxembourg and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, heads of state and health ministers overwhelmingly supported the first global political declaration addressing these pressing issues. However, the final adoption of this declaration has been postponed until October due to the need for further consensus.
The Urgency of the Situation
Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that NCDs lead to over 43 million deaths annually, predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, mental health disorders impact over a billion individuals globally and are the leading cause of death among adolescents. This declaration represents a call to action, as Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), asserts: “NCDs and mental health issues can be prevented and treated. What we need is commitment, speed, and scale.”
Aim for Concrete Goals by 2030
Dr. Tedros described the political declaration as the most comprehensive to date, setting ambitious yet achievable targets. Among these goals are significant reductions in tobacco consumption and increased access to mental health care. Specifically, by 2030, health leaders aim for:
- 150 million fewer tobacco users
- 150 million additional individuals managing their hypertension
- 150 million more people accessing mental health services
Martine Deprez, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health, highlighted the declaration’s focus on combating the stigma surrounding mental health, showcasing a renewed commitment to improving mental health care.
Measurable Outcomes and Strategies
The declaration outlines measurable objectives across various domains, including improving the availability of essential medications and technology in primary healthcare settings. It also proposes establishing monitoring systems to evaluate progress effectively. Importantly, it calls upon member states to leverage technology to enhance the management of NCDs and mental health issues, while encouraging the private sector to contribute more significantly to these efforts.
Learning from the Past
The commitments outlined in this declaration are informed by the needs and experiences of individuals affected by NCDs and mental health issues. They also consider vulnerable populations, small island developing states, and those living in humanitarian crises. Additionally, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped these goals, with a broader scope that now includes oral health, pulmonary health, pediatric cancers, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and rare ailments.
Addressing Environmental Factors
The declaration acknowledges the impact of environmental factors such as air pollution, use of harmful cooking fuels, lead exposure, and dangerous chemicals. It addresses emerging risks associated with digital dangers, including social media exposure, excessive screen time, and misinformation. Regulatory measures concerning e-cigarettes, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats are also emphasized.
Call to Action
Dr. Tedros urges that “the words on paper must translate into sustained action and measurable impact.” He stresses the importance of investing in prevention, noting that health begins not in clinics but in homes, schools, streets, and workplaces. Luxembourg’s health minister echoed this sentiment, declaring, “The time for action is now. This political declaration is our roadmap. Let us implement it and accelerate progress toward preventing and managing NCDs for the health and well-being of all.”
