New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that global progress in reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions is slowing, despite affordable solutions being within reach.
In its report “Saving lives, spending less”, WHO said an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually could save 12 million lives, prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, and deliver over US$1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030.
NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, cause most global deaths, with nearly 75% occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression add to the burden, affecting over a billion people worldwide.
WHO urged governments to act boldly—by taxing tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, expanding screenings and essential medicines, and protecting children from harmful marketing.
The call comes ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health on September 25 in New York, where world leaders are expected to adopt a Political Declaration to accelerate action.
