An additional investment of just $3 per person annually to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) could yield economic benefits of up to $1 trillion by 2030, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled “Saving Lives, Spending Less.”
The report reveals that while 82 percent of countries saw reductions in NCD rates from 2010 to 2019, progress has significantly slowed across most regions. Some nations have even experienced a resurgence in NCD-related deaths. NCDs are responsible for the majority of global deaths, with over one billion people living with mental health conditions. Alarmingly, nearly 75 percent of deaths linked to NCDs and mental health issues occur in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in approximately 32 million lives lost annually.
On September 25, heads of state and government will convene in New York for the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) focused on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being. This meeting aims to adopt a robust political declaration to advance global action and investment in these crucial health and development sectors.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked, “Non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation. We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are leading the way, while others are stalling. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics — it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
NCDs encompass cardiovascular diseases (including heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes. Mental health conditions, which include anxiety and depression, are also widespread across various countries and communities, affecting individuals of all ages and income levels. The WHO warns that without urgent and sustained action, millions more lives will be lost prematurely.
Published on September 22, 2025.
