WHO Report Reveals $3 Investment Per Person Can Save Millions of Lives and Unlock $1 Trillion by 2030 in Fight Against NCDs and Mental Health Crisis.
Geneva:
A groundbreaking new report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) titled “Saving lives, spending less” highlights that an annual investment of just US$3 per person to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and improve mental health could yield economic benefits exceeding US$1 trillion by 2030.
The report comes just days ahead of the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, scheduled for 25 September 2025 in New York. Heads of State and Government are expected to gather and adopt a bold Political Declaration aimed at accelerating global action in these critical health areas.
A Global Health Emergency with Economic Consequences
NCDs—including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety—are responsible for the majority of global deaths. According to the report:
- 32 million people die each year from NCDs and mental health-related conditions.
- Nearly 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- More than 1 billion people worldwide are currently living with mental health disorders.
WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed the urgency:
“Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation. We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are showing progress, but many others are stalling. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
Report Shows Progress, But Momentum Slipping
WHO also released country-level analysis of progress made in reducing NCD-related mortality between 2010 and 2019:
- 82% of countries showed reductions in premature deaths.
- However, 60% of them experienced a slowdown in progress compared to the previous decade.
- Some countries even saw a resurgence in NCD-related deaths.
Denmark recorded the most significant improvement for both sexes, while countries like China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil also made measurable gains.
The most progress came from reduced mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers (e.g., colorectal, stomach, breast, and cervical cancers). However, mortality from pancreatic and liver cancers, as well as neurological conditions, continues to rise in many regions.
Affordable, Effective Solutions Being Undermined by Industry
WHO reiterated that solutions exist and are cost-effective. Its recommended interventions—known as ‘Best Buys’—include:
- Taxing tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
- Screening and treating hypertension
- Expanding cervical cancer screening
- Protecting children from harmful marketing
- Improving mental health services
- Strengthening primary health care
Yet, implementation is often hampered by aggressive lobbying from the tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food industries.
“It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. “Governments must put people before profits.”
According to WHO, full implementation of the ‘Best Buys’ could by 2030:
- Save 12 million lives
- Prevent 28 million heart attacks and strokes
- Add 150 million healthy life years
- Generate over US$1 trillion in economic benefits
HLM4: A Decisive Political Moment for Global Health
The upcoming HLM4 is being seen as the most significant political opportunity of the decade to reverse the global burden of NCDs and mental health conditions.
WHO leaders are urging world governments to adopt an ambitious, action-oriented, and human rights–based Political Declaration that includes:
- Domestic financing and targeted aid
- Stronger health systems
- Corporate accountability and policy protection
- Public awareness and community engagement
- Clear national targets with measurable indicators
“We know what works. The time to act is now,” said Dr. Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health.
“Governments that act decisively will protect and save lives, cut costs, and unlock growth. Those that delay will pay in lost lives and weaker economies.”
A Call for Global Solidarity
WHO’s message is clear: preventing NCDs and improving mental health is not only a public health imperative but a sound economic investment. The lives of millions—and the prosperity of nations—hang in the balance.
As the world looks toward 2030 and beyond, the actions taken this month in New York could define the trajectory of global health for decades to come.
