A new report from the World Health Organization reveals that investing only $3 per person annually against noncommunicable diseases could deliver enormous global benefits.
The report, titled “Saving lives, spending less,” highlights worrying trends in noncommunicable disease mortality. Between 2010 and 2019, 82 percent of countries reduced NCD deaths, but the rate of progress slowed considerably.
Alarmingly, some countries even saw increases in NCD-related deaths. Nearly 75 percent of deaths linked to NCDs and mental health conditions occur in low- and middle-income nations, amounting to 32 million lives lost each year.
Heavy Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases
Noncommunicable diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, which together cause the majority of global deaths. Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, affect over one billion people worldwide.
Without immediate action, millions more people will continue to die prematurely, while societies face higher health costs and weaker economies.
Countries showing progress and setbacks
According to the analysis, Denmark recorded the largest improvements for both sexes. Other countries showing declines in NCD mortality included China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.
These gains were mainly driven by reductions in cardiovascular deaths and cancers like breast, cervical, stomach, and colorectal cancers. However, mortality from pancreatic, liver, and neurological conditions increased in many regions.
Affordable Solutions with High Returns
The WHO report emphasizes that solutions are both affordable and cost-effective. Scaling up interventions such as taxing tobacco and alcohol, cervical cancer screening, and managing hypertension could transform outcomes.
Implementing these “Best Buys” would cost governments only $3 per person annually but could save 12 million lives by 2030. The measures would also prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes, add 150 million healthy life years, and generate more than $1 trillion in economic benefits.
Industry interference remains a major obstacle
Despite evidence-based solutions, many governments face resistance from industries profiting from harmful products like tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. These industries often lobby to weaken or delay policies such as health taxes and child-focused marketing restrictions.
WHO leaders stress the urgent need for political courage to prioritize public health over commercial interests.
Political Momentum Builds Ahead of UN Meeting
On 25 September 2025, world leaders will meet in New York for the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health.
The gathering aims to adopt a bold Political Declaration that recommits countries to tackling NCDs and sets ambitious targets for the future.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, urged governments to act decisively: “Investing in the fight against NCDs is not just smart economics—it is essential for thriving societies.”
A Call for Urgent and Sustained Action
WHO is calling for concrete actions that include:
- Funding and implementing WHO’s Best Buys tailored to national needs
- Taxing tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
- Strengthening primary health care systems for prevention and treatment
- Protecting children from harmful marketing
- Expanding access to essential medicines and technologies
- Securing sustainable financing through health taxes and aid
- Setting bold targets with transparent monitoring and accountability
The Path Forward
The upcoming UN meeting provides the most significant political opportunity in a decade to change the global trajectory on NCDs and mental health.
With decisive action, governments can save lives, improve well-being, cut costs, and strengthen economies. Delay, however, will mean lost lives and growing health inequities.
The WHO report makes the message clear: investing just $3 per person each year is not only affordable but also one of the smartest investments for humanity’s future.
