Overview
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
A 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.
Key Provisions & Global Health Reform
World leaders committed to a “whole-of-government” approach to address the 18 million premature deaths caused annually by NCDs such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Key takeaways include:
- Regulatory Action: Sharper focus on regulating e-cigarettes, front-of-pack labeling, and eliminating trans fats.
- Environmental Factors: Expanded efforts to combat “digital harms” (social media misinformation) and environmental risks like air pollution and lead exposure.
- Equity in Care: A target for 80% of primary care facilities to provide affordable, WHO-recommended medicines.
- Fiscal Measures: While some countries pushed for mandatory sugar and alcohol taxes, the final text “encourages” nations to consider these fiscal tools to fund health systems.
- NCD MSAP Nepal
- Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Booklet
- Political Declaration
