Noncommunicable diseases in the South-East Asia
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, impose a major and growing burden on health and socio- economic development in the South-East Asia Region.
In the region, 55% of all deaths are due to NCDs accounting for 9.5 million persons. Of particular concern is the fact that approximately half of NCD deaths occur prematurely, before 70 years of age. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, is the main contributor to premature NCD mortality.
NCDs can be prevented by reducing common risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution.
Investing in NCD management is a critical pillar of the NCD response. Comprehensive management of NCDs includes early detection, screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as access to palliative care for those in need. There is priority need to integrate evidence based, cost-effective NCD clinical interventions into primary health care systems, improving early identification of conditions and improving treatment outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that early intervention not only improves health outcomes but also represents a socio- economic investment by reducing the need for more complex and costly care later on.
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat NCDs and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat NCDs and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Titled "Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being", the political declaration is the first such declaration addressing NCDs and mental health together, and marks a unique opportunity to accelerate global progress with a set of specific global targets for 2030.
The 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.
World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
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