The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has urged governments to step up action against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges, warning that inaction will cost millions of lives and further strain global economies.
In a video message posted on X on Saturday ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Tedros highlighted the importance of the High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health scheduled for September 25.
“Noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, include seven of the world’s top ten causes of death, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease,” he said. “In addition, more than one billion people face mental health conditions, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.”
He stressed that the burden goes beyond personal loss, with devastating social and economic implications. “Apart from cutting lives short and robbing families of their loved ones, these deaths also incur huge costs for health systems and economies,” Tedros warned.
According to him, countries have spent the past year negotiating a political declaration that will be finalised at the UNGA. The draft sets out ambitious targets by 2030, including cutting tobacco use by 150 million people, expanding mental health care to 150 million more, and ensuring 150 million achieve control of hypertension.
“Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost. It’s one of the smartest economic decisions any government can make. But often, governments face fierce opposition from industries that profit from unhealthy products,” he said, calling for bold leadership.
“The message is clear. Countries that act decisively will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.”
According to WHO, suicide claims over 700,000 lives globally every year, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide, with 73% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria alone, the suicide mortality rate stood at 3.5 per 100,000 people as of January 2024, translating to about 15,000 deaths annually.
The upcoming UNGA meeting is expected to produce a strong political declaration, shaping international cooperation to combat NCDs and strengthen mental health systems over the next decade.
