Leaders from across the world at the 18th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Tuesday adopted the political declaration to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach.
The outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September, 2025.
Titled: “Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being,” the political declaration is the first such declaration addressing NCDs and mental health together, and it marks a unique opportunity to accelerate global progress with a set of specific global targets for 2030.
The step is expected to usher in a new era in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges affecting people of all ages and income levels across the globe.
NCDs are often driven by preventable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and air pollution, many of which also negatively impact mental health. Both NCDs and mental health conditions are increasing in every country, affecting every community.
That makes them urgent issues not only for public health, but also for productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Helen Oji
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