According to a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), Saving Lives, Spending Less, a yearly investment of US$3 per person to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) would yield economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by the year 2030. NCD mortality evidence is also updated at the country level between 2010 and 2019. In general, 82% of the countries noted a decline in NCD-related deaths during the same period. In contrast, in most regions, progress has been slow, with some countries even reporting an increase in mortality.
The greatest proportion of deaths worldwide is attributed to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health-related conditions; nearly 75% of the deaths are in the low to middle-income nations, which is causing about 32 million deaths annually. WHO has called upon the global community to hasten investments and steps to prevent NCDs in advance of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (25 September 2025) due to its being a health and economic priority.
Between 2010 and 2019, premature mortality due to NCDs declined globally, although 60% of them had a low rate of decline compared to the previous years. The greatest improvements were seen in Denmark, China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil, among others, who registered decreases in the premature mortality rates. The majority of these decreases were in cardiovascular disease as well as in a few cancers, and the increases in mortality in several countries were mainly due to pancreatic cancer, liver and other cancers, and neurological conditions.
Addressing NCDs and ensuring a healthy mental state is not only affordable but also very cost-effective, but the tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food sectors tend to lobby to weaken or delay life-saving policies. Governments must prioritize general health over profit. The WHO strategies of the best buy which include tax, limiting or banning marketing, hypertension management and cervical cancer screening is estimated to cost approximately US$3Â per person in a year and are estimated to save 12 million lives, prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, add 150 million more healthy life-years and generate other economic benefits in excess of US 1 trillion by the year 2030.
The next Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health (25 September 2025) provides world leaders with an opportunity to adopt a visionary Political Declaration and to intensify action. A timely and effective action can save lives, costs, and jump-start an economy.
Reference: World Health Organization. WHO urges cost-effective solutions on NCDs and mental health amidst slowing progress. Published 18 September 2025. Accessed 19 September 2025. WHO urges cost effective solutions on NCDs and mental health amidst slowing progress
