The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new report entitled “Saving lives, spending less,” highlighting that a modest annual investment of just $3 per person in combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could produce economic returns reaching $1 trillion by the year 2030.

In addition, WHO presented a new review of national progress in reducing deaths from NCDs between 2010 and 2019. Although 82% of countries saw declines in mortality over that period, progress has generally slowed down, and in some places, NCD-related deaths have even started to rise again.

NCDs remain the leading cause of death worldwide, while over a billion individuals live with mental health disorders. Shockingly, around 75% of all deaths linked to NCDs and mental health occur in low- and middle-income nations, representing a staggering 32 million lives lost every year.

On 25 September 2025, global Heads of State and Government will meet in New York for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) of the United Nations General Assembly. This summit will focus on preventing and controlling NCDs and improving mental health. A key goal is to approve a bold Political Declaration aimed at boosting both action and investment in these health issues.

“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health problems are taking lives and stifling innovation,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We have what we need to reduce suffering and save lives. Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova have stepped up, but others still lag behind. Prioritizing the fight against NCDs is not only economically smart—it’s crucial for healthy societies.”

NCDs include major health problems like heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, and diabetes. Mental health issues, including conditions like anxiety and depression, are also widespread and affect people across all income levels and age groups. Without urgent, lasting interventions, millions more lives are at risk.

Slow Momentum Endangers Lives

From 2010 to 2019, most countries reduced the chance of early death due to NCDs, yet 60% of them saw significantly slower improvements compared to the decade before. Denmark led globally in progress for both men and women. Similarly, notable reductions in NCD-related deaths were observed in China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.

The largest successes came from reductions in heart disease and certain cancers—including colorectal and stomach cancers for both genders, breast and cervical cancers in women, and prostate and lung cancers in men. On the other hand, some forms of cancer such as liver and pancreatic cancer, along with neurological conditions, caused increases in death rates in a number of countries.

Affordable Interventions with High Returns

Approaches to reduce NCDs and support mental well-being are not only affordable but also very cost-effective. Unfortunately, governments often must contend with aggressive lobbying from influential industries whose products worsen public health. Industries producing tobacco, alcohol, and heavily processed foods frequently try to block or dilute life-saving policies, such as health taxes and restrictions on advertising to young people.

“It is deeply concerning that commercial profits are growing while public health suffers,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. “Governments need to prioritize citizens' well-being over corporate interests and stand by science-based health policies.”

Expanding WHO-endorsed ‘Best Buys’—interventions such as taxing tobacco and alcohol, protecting youth from harmful advertising, better hypertension treatment, and increased cervical cancer screening—could be implemented at just $3 more per person yearly. By 2030, this approach could save 12 million lives, avert 28 million heart attacks and strokes, improve health for 150 million years of life, and generate over $1 trillion in benefits.

Political Leadership Can Change the Future

The upcoming HLM4 summit serves as the most important chance in recent history to push forward major changes in handling NCDs and mental health challenges. By endorsing a strong Political Declaration, world leaders can both renew their commitment to hit 2030 targets and shape a healthier future for the decades ahead.

“We have proven strategies. Now is the moment to act,” said Dr Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health. “Governments that act boldly will save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and spur economic growth. Those that hesitate will see higher mortality and economic strain.”

WHO urges global leaders, communities, and partners to push for the following actions:

• Invest in and apply WHO’s ‘Best Buys’, tailored by country;

• Implement taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks;

• Enhance primary healthcare with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment;

• Safeguard children from harmful advertising practices;

• Make essential medicines and modern treatments more accessible;

• Secure funding through national budgets, health-focused taxes, and international support;

• Set ambitious goals backed by robust systems to track and report progress;

• Prevent businesses from interfering with public health strategy.

HLM4 provides a critical opportunity to advance a realistic and bold Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health—rooted in science, built on human rights, and designed to bring measurable impact well beyond 2030.

Editor’s note:

WHO has outlined 29 highly effective and low-cost actions known as ‘Best Buys’. These include evidence-based measures to prevent and manage major NCDs such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Each action delivers strong health benefits alone, but countries can achieve even more by combining them into strategies suited to their unique needs.