UN adopts global targets for NCDs, mental health by 2030

NEW YORK — World leaders have adopted a landmark political declaration uniting global efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges, establishing concrete global targets to be achieved by 2030.

The declaration, titled “Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being,” was endorsed during the fourth high-level meeting of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Sept. 25, 2025.

This is the first global agreement to comprehensively address NCDs and mental health together, recognizing their intertwined effects on health, productivity, and economic stability.

Currently, NCDs—such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions—account for 18 million premature deaths annually, while over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from mental health conditions.

These issues are often fueled by preventable risk factors, including unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, and air pollution—many of which also negatively impact mental well-being.

“The adoption of these bold targets to control noncommunicable diseases and promote mental health is a testament to the commitment of Member States to protect the health of their people,” said World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Together, we can change the trajectory of NCDs and mental health, and deliver health, well-being, and opportunity for all.”

The new political declaration introduces three fast-track global outcome targets to be met 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 support these goals, countries are also expected to meet process targets by 2030, including:
• At least 80% of countries are implementing key policy, legal, and fiscal measures;
• 80% of primary health care facilities with access to affordable, WHO-recommended essential medicines and technologies;
• 60% of countries are adopting financial protection policies that reduce costs for essential NCD and mental health services;
• 80% of countries are establishing operational, multisectoral national plans for NCDs and mental health; and
• 80% of countries maintain robust surveillance and monitoring systems.

The declaration is also the most far-reaching to date, integrating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing emerging risks.

It expands coverage to additional NCD areas such as oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver and kidney diseases, and rare disorders.

It also highlights environmental risk factors—air pollution, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and unsafe cooking—and introduces concerns around digital exposure, including harmful social media content and misinformation.

A sharper regulatory focus is placed on the marketing of unhealthy food to children, front-of-pack labeling, e-cigarettes, novel tobacco products, and the global elimination of trans fats.

The declaration emphasizes equity, particularly for populations vulnerable to climate change, humanitarian crises, and those living with NCDs or mental health conditions—including persons with disabilities, youth, and residents of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Amid strained public health budgets, the document underscores the need for sustainable financing.

It urges member states to secure “adequate, predictable and sustained” health funding through increased domestic investments, international collaboration, and multilateral partnerships.

The declaration reinforces that solutions require “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approaches, engaging stakeholders from civil society, development partners, and people with lived experience.

The UN Secretary-General will report on progress by 2030. WHO and other UN agencies are tasked with supporting countries in translating the commitments into national action plans, ensuring accountability throughout the implementation period and beyond.

This fourth declaration builds upon previous commitments while charting a path for accelerated, integrated action—framing NCDs and mental health not just as health concerns but as fundamental to sustainable development and global resilience.