What's Happening?
At the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly, world leaders have adopted a political declaration aimed at addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges. This 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,' marks a significant step in integrating efforts to combat these issues. The declaration sets specific global targets for 2030, including reducing tobacco use, controlling hypertension, and increasing access to mental health care. It also establishes ambitious process targets for national systems, such as policy implementation and access to essential medicines. The declaration reflects lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses new global challenges, including environmental determinants and digital harms.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of this declaration is crucial as it addresses the leading causes of premature death globally, with NCDs claiming 18 million lives annually and mental health conditions affecting over a billion people. By setting measurable targets, the declaration aims to improve public health, productivity, and sustainable economic growth. It emphasizes the need for a 'whole-of-government' and 'whole-of-society' approach, engaging various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive solutions. The declaration also highlights the importance of securing adequate funding and international partnerships to support these initiatives, positioning NCDs and mental health as central pillars for sustainable development and social justice.
What's Next?
The declaration outlines a framework for accountability, with the UN Secretary-General reporting on progress towards the targets by 2030. WHO and UN agencies will support member states in implementing these commitments, ensuring accountability and sustained impact. The focus will be on translating the declaration into national action plans, with a strong emphasis on equity and the needs of vulnerable populations. The declaration aims to chart a new course towards a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous future, with accountability mechanisms in place to demonstrate progress.
Beyond the Headlines
The declaration's comprehensive scope includes addressing broader NCD areas such as oral health, lung health, and rare diseases, as well as expanded environmental determinants like air pollution and hazardous chemicals. It also tackles evolving digital risks, such as social media exposure and misinformation. The commitments are grounded in equity, considering the expertise and needs of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions, climate-vulnerable populations, and those in humanitarian settings. The declaration underscores the importance of a whole-of-society approach, engaging civil society, youth, and people with lived experience.
