Global leaders adopt political declaration to combat NCDs and mental health challenges
· News-MedicalA new era with measurable targets
Marking a significant evolution from previous commitments, the new political declaration establishes three first-ever global "fast-track" outcome targets to be achieved by 2030:
- 150 million fewer tobacco users;
- 150 million more people with hypertension under control; and
- 150 million more people with access to mental health care.
To ensure countries can reach these goals, the declaration also sets ambitious, measurable process targets for national systems by 2030, including:
- at least 80% of countries with policy, legislative, regulatory and fiscal measures in place;
- at least 80% of primary health care facilities with access to affordable, WHO-recommended essential medicines and basic technologies for NCDs and mental health;
- at least 60% of countries implementing financial protection policies or measures that cover or limit the cost of essential NCD and mental health services;
- at least 80% of countries with operational, multisectoral national plans for NCDs and mental health; and
- at least 80% of countries with robust surveillance and monitoring systems for NCDs and mental health.
The most far-reaching declaration yet for scope and commitments
This political declaration is the most comprehensive to date, integrating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to new global challenges. Its unprecedented scope includes many pressing issues addressed for the first time, such as:
- broader NCD areas: oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and rare diseases;
- expanded environmental determinants: air pollution, clean cooking, lead exposure, and hazardous chemicals; and
- evolving risk of digital harms: social media exposure, excessive screen time, harmful content, and the risks of mis- and disinformation.
The political declaration reflects a sharper regulatory focus on e-cigarettes, novel tobacco products, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats. Its commitments are grounded in a strong equity argument, including the expertise and the needs of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions, climate-vulnerable populations, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and those in humanitarian settings.
Financing and a whole-of-society approach in a challenging landscape
Acknowledging strained economic conditions that threaten health financing worldwide, the declaration features stronger financing language than its predecessors by urging countries to secure adequate, predictable and sustained funding through increased domestic financing, strengthened international partnerships, and coordinated multilateral frameworks.
The political declaration firmly positions NCDs and mental health as not merely health concerns, but as central pillars for achieving sustainable development and social justice. It underscores that solutions require a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approach, engaging civil society, partners, youth, persons with disabilities, and people with lived experience.
Looking ahead: A framework for accountability
This declaration builds on and strengthens the three previous declarations and charts a new course of action toward a healthier, more equitable and prosperous future. The text confirms the need to ensure accountability mechanisms that can demonstrate and sustain impact.
The UN Secretary-General will report on progress towards these targets by 2030, ahead of the next High-Level Meeting. WHO, along with UN agencies, will support Member States in translating these historic commitments into national action, ensuring accountability from now until 2030 and beyond.
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