Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 24, 2025 Healthcare
On September 25, the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health will be held at UN Headquarters in New York. For the first time, the topic of mental health is not only being discussed in preparation for the event, but is also included in the meeting's title. A political declaration is expected to be adopted, guiding government efforts in the coming years.
Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as mental disorders, remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. They are closely interrelated: for many people, physical and mental health conditions overlap and require a comprehensive approach.
The spread of NCDs is primarily due to five main risk factors: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and air pollution, as well as limited access to diagnosis, treatment and care services.
The scale of the problem
According to the WHO, more than a billion people worldwide live with some form of mental disorder. "For the first time, we can report that more than one billion people suffer from mental health problems," Devora Kestel, Director of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, said in an interview with the UN News Service. "The key question is: how many of them actually receive care, treatment, and support that alleviates suffering and enables them to cope with life's challenges?"
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Access to services, she says, is extremely limited: "Only 9 percent of people with depression, the most common disorder, receive treatment. And only 40 percent of people with psychosis have access to support. This means countries must do much more to provide people with the help they need."
Barriers to assistance
Stigma remains one of the main obstacles. "When someone realizes they need help, the first barrier is admitting they have a problem and deciding to seek support. Stigma exists both in society and within individuals," explains Kestel.
Even where services exist, they are often inaccessible due to cost, distance, or lack of integration with other types of care. "We need community-based services: integrating mental health into primary care, programs in schools and workplaces, and specialized centers within walking distance," says the WHO representative.
The objectives set out in the text of the Declaration
The new political declaration targets not only general measures against non-communicable diseases, but also specific challenges in the field of mental health.
“Countries agreed to highlight specific themes: mental health of children and young people, suicide prevention, and the development of community-based services instead of the outdated model of large institutions,” notes Kestel.
The document aims to stimulate the exchange of experience and expand funding. "We want every community to know: if one country can build a system of aid, then it's possible. We can learn from each other, adapt best practices, and find funding mechanisms," the WHO representative emphasized.
Non-communicable diseases and mental health
According to Kestel, the risk factors largely overlap: "When we promote physical activity, healthy eating, and quitting tobacco and alcohol, it helps both prevent NCDs and improve mental health. Moreover, many people live with cancer or cardiovascular disease and depression or anxiety disorders simultaneously. A comprehensive approach is needed."
WHO to world leaders
The key issue is political will. "We've heard a lot of talk about the importance of mental health in recent years. Now we need concrete commitments. Leaders need to understand that mechanisms and solutions exist. Changes can be implemented with any resources—from promoting healthy lifestyles to ensuring personalized treatment approaches," notes Kestel.
What does the Declaration propose?
Some key areas that were recognised as a priority when preparing the text of the Declaration:
Primary health care: Basic health care, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment must be accessible to everyone. Medicines and medical technologies must be safe, effective, and of high quality. Sustained funding is essential, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Mental health and NCDs: It is necessary to recognize common risk factors and common needs for prevention and treatment, and give a voice to those living with these conditions. Collaboration across sectors: Health depends not only on medicine but also on nutrition, the environment, legislation, and the state of the economy. External factors must also be considered: air pollution, commercial activity (e.g., advertising of unhealthy foods and tobacco products), and social and economic conditions.
Draw attention to the problem
The upcoming high-level meeting at the UN is an opportunity to take the topic of mental health and noncommunicable diseases to the next level. The declaration won't be a "magic document," as Kestel puts it, but it can set the direction, unite countries, and demonstrate that accessible and equitable care is possible in every corner of the planet.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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