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United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Adopted the First Joint Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health

The declaration adopted 16 December 2025, aims to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being which, for the first time, includes reference to dementia.

KEY FACTS

NCDs killed at least 43 million people in 2021, equivalent to 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths globally.
In 2021, 18 million people died from an NCD before age 70 years; 82% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Of all NCD deaths, 73% are in low- and middle-income countries.
Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or at least 19 million deaths in 2021, followed by cancers (10 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (over 2 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes).
These four groups of diseases account for 80% of all premature NCD deaths.
Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and air pollution all increase the risk of dying from an NCD.
Detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care, are key components of the response to NCDs.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DECLARATION FROM THE ASPECT OF BRAIN HEALTH

Change in classification: Dementia is now officially acknowledged as a major global public health and NCD priority. Previously, it was often excluded from major NCD frameworks.
Integrated Health Messaging: The declaration recognises that dementia shares common risk factors with other leading NCDs (such as diabetes and hypertension). This shift encourages governments to use integrated healthcare messaging, especially since research indicates up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes.
Government Accountability: Member states are held accountable for developing national policies that address the full spectrum of dementia care, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and support for caregivers.
Neurological Interaction: The text emphasises that mental health conditions (like depression and anxiety) frequently co-occur and interact with neurological conditions, specifically naming Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Research and Funding: The declaration aims to catalyse increased investment in research and improve the quality of life for those affected, noting that dementia is projected to become the third leading cause of death globally by 2040.

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.

The full press release: https://www.who.int/news/item/16-12-2025-world-leaders-adopt-a-historic-global-declaration-on-noncommunicable-diseases-and-mental-health

The document can be downloaded from: https://lnkd.in/gQXRQ4DA

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