Secretary-General Urges Progress on Health as 43 Million Lives Lost to Noncommunicable Diseases in Past Year
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed a high-level meeting in New York today, focusing on the urgent need to tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and promote mental health and well-being. He highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that every two seconds, someone under 70 dies from an NCD, with over 43 million lives lost in the past year alone. Guterres emphasized the pressing challenges posed by mental health conditions, which affect over a billion people globally, and called for immediate action to address these public health crises.
Global Impact of Noncommunicable Diseases
Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. Guterres pointed out that these diseases not only shorten lives but also disrupt livelihoods and hinder community development. The statistics are stark: 2.8 billion people lack access to a healthy diet, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among young individuals. The Secretary-General noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, particularly among youth, and has increased the burden of NCDs in conflict and crisis settings where healthcare systems are often inadequate.
Despite some progress since the first high-level meeting in 2011, including a decline in tobacco use and the establishment of national strategies, Guterres warned that the world is falling short of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4, which aims for a one-third reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2030. The economic implications of these diseases are significant, leading to lost productivity and deepening inequalities, yet many of these conditions are preventable.
Call for Action and Collaboration
Guterres urged global leaders to take decisive action to combat NCDs and improve mental health services. He highlighted the recent inclusion of GLP-1-based medicines, commonly referred to as obesity drugs, in the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List for type 2 diabetes and related conditions. This move aims to ensure that life-saving medications are accessible and affordable for all, rather than a privilege reserved for the wealthy. The Secretary-General emphasized that investing in proven measures to prevent NCDs can yield significant economic returns, with the WHO estimating a return of $7 for every $1 invested.
The Political Declaration presented at the meeting outlines ambitious yet achievable goals for 2030, including reducing tobacco use by 150 million people, controlling hypertension for an additional 150 million, and increasing access to mental healthcare for another 150 million individuals. Guterres stressed the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors to address the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Sustainable Financing
Mental health and psychosocial care must be prioritized, especially in humanitarian settings where needs are often overlooked and underfunded. Guterres called for sustainable financing and the implementation of fiscal measures that promote health and encourage smart choices. He emphasized the necessity of placing individuals living with NCDs and mental health conditions at the center of these initiatives, recognizing their experiences as valuable sources of insight and strength.
With only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, Guterres urged immediate and unified action to change the current trajectory. He reiterated the commitment to prevention, equity, and accelerated efforts to transform lives, safeguard livelihoods, and fulfill the promise of health and well-being for all. The Secretary-General concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that together, the global community can make a significant difference in addressing these critical health challenges.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
