KATHMANDU, Dec 17: For the first time ever, the world has witnessed a global political commitment to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges—recognized as major public health threats. The 17th United Nations General Assembly announced this historic move, marking the outcome of the UN’s Fourth High-Level Meeting held on September 25, which focused on preventing and controlling NCDs and promoting mental well-being.
The commitment, unveiled in the post-COVID era, aims not only to address current health challenges but also to prepare the world for future crises. It targets a wide range of NCDs, including cancers in children, and diseases affecting the mouth, lungs, liver, kidneys, and other rare conditions. It also emphasizes reducing environmental pollution, controlling harmful chemicals, and ensuring safe food for all.
Digital health and lifestyle factors are not left out. The commitment calls for responsible social media use, regulating new products that threaten public health—such as e-cigarettes and trans fats—and limiting unhealthy food advertisements aimed at children.
Mental Health and Human Rights
“Through this commitment, member states are setting strong targets to safeguard the health and lives of their citizens,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The political pledge comes with ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030. At least 80 percent of countries are expected to: enact policies and laws to control NCDs and mental health issues; provide services at primary health centers with medicines and equipment per WHO standards; and integrate NCDs and mental health into national plans. Moreover, 60 percent of member states are expected to allocate sufficient budgets and policy measures for these services, and research on NCDs and mental health must be conducted in at least 80 percent of countries.
WHO has noted that this is the first time a political commitment on NCDs and mental health has been made at the General Assembly level. “It is a unique opportunity to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” the UN said in a statement.
The need for such a commitment is urgent. NCDs are now the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of tens of million people prematurely each year. Mental health disorders affect millions globally, exacerbated by unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, sedentary lifestyles, and air pollution.
The rising prevalence of NCDs and mental health problems is felt in every country and community. Poor public health not only threatens lives but also hampers productivity and sustainable economic growth.
