The United Nations political declaration on non-communicable diseases and mental health needs a just and action driven approach

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions are responsible for more than 43 million deaths annually. It is critical that the upcoming United Nations general assembly high level meeting triggers decisive and sustained action on NCDs, says the World Health Organization Civil Society Working Group on NCDs The UN Secretary General’s Progress Report made clear that the world is off track to meet the 2030 target of a one third reduction in mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).1 In response, the United Nations General Assembly will host a high level meeting in September, aiming to galvanise commitment to accelerate action. The meeting will culminate in a political declaration on NCDs and mental health. A “zero” draft of the political declaration is available for consultation with member states.2 The WHO Civil Society Working Group on NCDs, which includes more than 30 international Civil Society Organisations, has reviewed the zero draft against its own priorities for action, captured in its statement to the UN Multistakeholder Hearing.3 Our collective conclusion is clear. The political declaration must go further if it is to confront the urgency, scale of action, and accountability needed to stem the rising burden of NCDs and mental health conditions. It is encouraging that the draft includes three “fast track” targets and five indicators to support accelerating actions across areas including health promoting environments, primary healthcare, sustainable financing, governance, and data and …