The World Health Organisation has released a new report, “Saving Lives, Spending Less”, highlighting that an additional investment of just US$3 per person per year to tackle noncommunicable diseases could yield economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030.

The report also analyses country-level progress in reducing NCD mortality between 2010 and 2019. While 82% of countries achieved reductions, overall progress has slowed, and some nations are experiencing a resurgence in NCD-related deaths.

NCDs—including heart disease, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes—remain the leading cause of death globally, while over one billion people live with mental health conditions. 

Alarmingly, nearly 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, totaling 32 million lives lost each year.

On 25 September 2025, world leaders will gather in New York for the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health. The meeting aims to adopt a bold Political Declaration to accelerate global action and investment in these critical health areas.

“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. 

Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s essential for thriving societies.”

Between 2010 and 2019, most countries reduced premature deaths from NCDs, but 60% experienced slower progress compared to the previous decade. 

Denmark saw the largest improvements, while countries including China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil also recorded declines. 

Gains were mainly driven by decreases in cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, such as stomach, colorectal, cervical, and breast cancers. However, deaths from pancreatic and liver cancers, as well as neurological conditions, have risen in many regions.

WHO emphasises that effective solutions are both affordable and highly cost-effective. Yet governments often face pressure from industries—tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods—that contribute to disease while lobbying to block or weaken life-saving policies.

“It is unacceptable that commercial interests profit from increasing deaths and disease,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention. 

“Governments must put people before profits and ensure evidence-based policies are not derailed.”

Scaling up WHO’s ‘Best Buys’—including tobacco and alcohol taxation, protecting children from harmful marketing, managing hypertension, and expanding cervical cancer screening—would cost only US$3 per person annually. By 2030, full implementation could save 12 million lives, prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, add 150 million healthy life years, and generate more than US$1 trillion in economic benefits.

HLM4 represents a pivotal opportunity to commit to the 2030 targets and set a vision for decades ahead. 

Dr. Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health, said: “We know what works. Governments that act decisively will protect and save lives, cut costs, and unlock growth. Those that delay will pay in lost lives and weaker economies.”

WHO urges leaders, partners, and communities to:

• Fund and implement WHO’s ‘Best Buys’ tailored to national needs
• Tax tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
• Strengthen primary health care for prevention, early detection, and treatment
• Protect children from harmful marketing
• Expand access to essential medicines and technologies
• Secure sustainable financing through domestic budgets, health taxes, and targeted aid
• Set bold targets and track progress with accountability
• Prevent industry interference in health policy