On September 18, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on saving lives and reducing spending, calling on all sectors to invest in economically efficient programs to address the slow progress in the fight against global non-communicable diseases and mental health barriers.

According to the report, 75% of non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, killing 32 million people each year. Non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes are responsible for the majority of deaths worldwide; common mental health disorders include anxiety and depression.

The report analyses progress made by countries in reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases between 2010 and 2019: Despite 82 percent of countries achieving a decrease in mortality from these diseases, progress in 60 percent of countries has slowed compared to the first ten years. The report says that if each person invested an additional $3 per year in tackling non-communicable diseases, it could save 12 million lives by 2030, prevent 28 million cases of heart attacks and strokes, and generate $1 trillion in economic benefits.

WHO Director-General Tandesse said that non-communicable diseases and mental health issues are silent killers and that investing in combating these diseases is not only a smart economic decision but also an urgent need for social development.

The WHO calls for concrete actions to address the slow progress in combating these diseases, such as funding and implementing relevant measures to meet national needs, taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages, strengthening primary health care for prevention, early detection and treatment, and increasing access to essential medicines and technologies.

The fourth UN High-Level Conference on Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health will be held in New York this month, with the aim of accelerating global action and investment in combating these diseases.