The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report titled “Saving lives, spending less,” calling for accelerated global action to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and improve mental health. The report reveals that an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually could generate economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030 while saving millions of lives.
Slow Progress in Reducing NCD Mortality
Alongside the report, WHO released a detailed analysis of country-level progress in reducing NCD mortality between 2010 and 2019. Although 82% of countries reduced NCD-related deaths during this period, progress has slowed significantly across most regions. Alarmingly, some countries even recorded a resurgence in deaths from NCDs.
NCDs remain the leading cause of death globally, while over one billion people are living with mental health conditions. Nearly 75% of deaths from NCDs and mental health conditions occur in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in 32 million lives lost annually.
Global Leaders to Meet in New York
On 25 September 2025, Heads of State and Government will gather in New York for the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCD prevention and mental health promotion. The meeting aims to adopt an ambitious Political Declaration to accelerate action, investment, and accountability.
“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
Regional Progress and Setbacks
Between 2010 and 2019, most countries reduced premature deaths from NCDs, but 60% saw slower progress compared to the previous decade. Denmark achieved the largest improvements for both sexes, while significant mortality declines were also seen in China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.
Cardiovascular disease and certain cancers (stomach, colorectal, cervical, breast, lung, and prostate) drove the biggest gains. However, mortality from pancreatic and liver cancers as well as neurological conditions increased in many countries, posing new challenges.
Cost-Effective Solutions Are Within Reach
WHO emphasized that solutions to tackle NCDs and mental health are affordable and highly cost-effective. Scaling up implementation of WHO’s ‘Best Buys’—including tobacco and alcohol taxation, protecting children from harmful marketing, managing hypertension, and expanding cervical cancer screening—would cost only US$3 per person per year on average.
The return on investment would be remarkable:
- 12 million lives saved by 2030
- 28 million heart attacks and strokes prevented
- 150 million healthy life years added
- Over US$1 trillion in economic gains
Overcoming Industry Interference
Despite proven solutions, governments often face strong lobbying from powerful industries producing tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. These industries frequently attempt to weaken or delay life-saving policies such as health taxes and marketing restrictions.
“It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. “Governments must put people before profits and ensure evidence-based policies are implemented.”
The Decisive Moment: HLM4
As per the WHO Press release, the upcoming HLM4 meeting represents the most significant political opportunity of the decade to change the trajectory of NCDs and mental health. WHO is urging governments to:
- Fund and implement WHO’s ‘Best Buys’, tailored to national needs
- Tax tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
- Strengthen primary health care for prevention, early detection, and treatment
- Protect children from harmful marketing
- Expand access to essential medicines and technologies
- Secure financing through domestic budgets, health taxes, and targeted aid
- Set bold targets and monitor progress with strong accountability
- Stop industry interference in health policy
“We know what works. The time to act is now. Governments that act decisively will save lives, cut costs, and unlock economic growth. Those that delay will pay in lost lives and weaker economies,” said Dr Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health.
A Call for Ambition and Commitment
HLM4 offers a unique chance to adopt a bold, action-oriented, and achievable Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health—one grounded in evidence, anchored in human rights, and designed to deliver lasting impact through 2030 and beyond.