The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted significant progress in the global fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), applauding countries such as Nigeria, China, Egypt, Russia, Brazil, and Denmark for achieving notable reductions in deaths linked to heart disease and several forms of cancer.
In its latest report, Saving Lives, Spending Less, the UN agency revealed that between 2010 and 2019, 82 per cent of countries reduced premature NCD deaths. However, the momentum has slowed in more than half of them, raising concerns about long-term sustainability in tackling the world’s deadliest health challenges.
Despite overall gains, WHO cautioned that mortality from pancreatic and liver cancers, as well as neurological disorders, is rising sharply. NCDs still account for nearly 32 million deaths each year, with three-quarters of the burden concentrated in low- and middle-income nations.
The report stressed that stronger investments in cost-effective interventions could both save lives and boost economies. According to WHO, allocating just US\$3 per person annually to proven NCD and mental health measures such as alcohol and tobacco taxation, blood pressure control, and cervical cancer screening could generate US\$1 trillion in economic returns by 2030, while preventing millions of deaths and disabilities.
However, the agency condemned the influence of powerful industries it says profit from the spread of disease. “It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” warned Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. WHO accused the tobacco, alcohol, and processed food sectors of lobbying against public health reforms.
The findings are being released in the lead-up to the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health in New York on September 25. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus urged world leaders to commit to stronger action, stressing that investing in the fight against NCDs is not only sound economics but also vital for building healthier and more resilient societies.
