World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has called on governments to intensify efforts against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues, cautioning that inaction could lead to millions of de@ths and place heavy burdens on economies.
In a video post on X on Saturday, Dr Tedros, speaking ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, underscored the importance of the High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health slated for September 25.
“Noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, include seven of the world’s top ten causes of de@th, 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 de@th among young people.”
He stressed that beyond the personal tragedies, the global toll of NCDs and mental health conditions carries enormous social and economic costs.
“Apart from cutting lives short and robbing families of their loved ones, these de@ths also incur huge costs for health systems and economies,” Dr Tedros noted.
According to the WHO chief, countries have been negotiating a political declaration over the past year, which will be finalised at the UNGA meeting.
The draft includes ambitious global targets by 2030: reducing tobacco use by 150 million, expanding access to mental health care for 150 million people, and ensuring 150 million people achieve control of hypertension.
“Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost,” he emphasised. “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.”
Dr Tedros concluded with a call 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.”
The High-Level Meeting at UNGA is expected to produce a strong political declaration, shaping international cooperation on combating NCDs and scaling up mental health support over the next decade.
PUNCH reported that suicide remained a critical global public health challenge, claiming over 700,000 lives worldwide each year.
Suicide was the fourth leading cause of de@th among 15–29-year-olds globally, with 73% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, as of January 2024, the suicide mortality rate stood at 3.5 per 100,000 people, translating to about 15,000 annual de@ths from suicide.
The coverage highlights the increasing suicide rates, especially among youth aged 15 to 29, and stresses the WHO’s emphasis on improving mental health support and reducing stigma