UNGA Adopts Landmark Declaration to Tackle NCDs & Mental Health by 2030

A Landmark Agreement: Global Leaders Unite to Tackle Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health

In a significant step towards global health equity, world leaders at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted a political declaration aimed at comprehensively addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges. This historic agreement, finalized after extensive intergovernmental negotiations and considered during the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on September 25, 2025, marks the first time these critical health areas have been tackled together with a unified, target-driven approach. The declaration, titled ““Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being”“, sets ambitious goals for 2030, signaling a new era in the fight against some of the world’s most prevalent and debilitating health issues.

The Scale of the Challenge

Noncommunicable diseases – including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases – are currently the leading cause of death globally, prematurely claiming 18 million lives each year. Simultaneously, mental health conditions affect over one billion people worldwide, impacting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. These conditions often share common, preventable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution. The increasing prevalence of both NCDs and mental health conditions poses a substantial threat not only to public health but likewise to productivity and sustainable economic growth.

Rapid-Track Targets for 2030

This declaration moves beyond previous commitments by establishing three concrete, global “fast-track” outcome targets to be achieved by 2030. These include a reduction of 150 million tobacco users, bringing 150 million more people with hypertension under control, and expanding access to mental health care for an additional 150 million individuals. These targets are designed to accelerate progress and provide a clear framework for accountability.

To support countries in reaching these ambitious goals, the declaration also outlines measurable process targets for national systems by 2030. These include ensuring that at least 80% of countries have implemented comprehensive policy, legislative, regulatory, and fiscal measures; that 80% of primary healthcare facilities have access to essential medicines and technologies for NCDs and mental health; that 60% of countries have financial protection policies in place to cover or limit the cost of essential services; that 80% of countries have operational, multisectoral national plans; and that 80% of countries have robust surveillance and monitoring systems.

Expanding the Scope: Addressing Emerging Threats

The declaration represents the most comprehensive commitment to date, integrating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to evolving global health challenges. Notably, it expands the focus to include previously under-addressed areas such as oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and rare diseases. It also acknowledges the growing impact of environmental determinants, including air pollution, clean cooking solutions, lead exposure, and hazardous chemicals. The declaration addresses the emerging risks associated with digital harms, such as excessive screen time, exposure to harmful content on social media, and the spread of misinformation.

A stronger regulatory focus is placed on e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products, as well as on unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats. The declaration emphasizes the importance of equity, incorporating the expertise and needs of individuals living with NCDs and mental health conditions, climate-vulnerable populations, Compact Island Developing States (SIDS), and those in humanitarian settings.

Financing and a Collaborative Approach

Recognizing the current economic constraints impacting health financing globally, the declaration stresses the necessitate for adequate, predictable, and sustained funding. This includes increased domestic financing, strengthened international partnerships, and coordinated multilateral frameworks. The declaration underscores that addressing NCDs and mental health requires a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, involving civil society, partners, youth, persons with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience. This collaborative approach is crucial for achieving sustainable progress.

Accountability and the Path Forward

The UN Secretary-General will report on progress towards these targets by 2030, ahead of the next High-Level Meeting. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with other UN agencies, will provide support to Member States in translating these commitments into national action and ensuring accountability. As WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “The adoption of these bold targets to control noncommunicable diseases and promote mental health is a testament to the commitment of Member States to protect the health of their people. Together, we can change the trajectory of NCDs and mental health, and deliver health, well-being and opportunity for all.”

The recognition of dementia as a leading NCD by UN Member States, as reported by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), further highlights the growing global awareness of the complex interplay between NCDs and neurological health. This underscores the need for integrated approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and care.

However, it’s important to note that past declarations on NCDs have faced challenges in implementation, as highlighted by Health Policy Watch, which reported on the failure of a UN declaration on NCDs due to disagreement from the United States. Successful implementation of this new declaration will require sustained political will, adequate resource allocation, and effective monitoring mechanisms.

Looking ahead: The coming years will be critical for translating these commitments into tangible results. The WHO, in collaboration with UN agencies and Member States, will play a central role in providing technical assistance, monitoring progress, and ensuring accountability. Regular reporting to the UN Secretary-General will provide a transparent assessment of the global response to NCDs and mental health, paving the way for continued action and improvement.