A delegate from Kiribati in a meeting during the third day of the general debate of the General Assembly's eightieth session. September 2025 Photo: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel
World leaders have thrown their weight behind a United Nations (UN) declaration on responding to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health in an integrated way.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said NCDs, including cardiovascular and lung diseases, cancer and diabetes, are the leading causes of death worldwide.
"NCDs are increasing in every country, affecting every community, making them urgent issues for public health, productivity and sustainable economic growth," WHO said.
Pacific leaders had raised the issue of NCDs in the UN general debate.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the majority of deaths in Solomon Islands are related to NCDs, and his government has increased the country's health budget to address the matter.
"NCDs have reached crisis level in the Pacific," he told world leaders.
"In the case of Solomon Islands, 87 percent of deaths are NCD-related. NCDs accounts for 84 per cent of Solomon Islands adult hospital admissions, placing stress on our health system."
Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina said NCDs, infectious diseases, and mental health concerns are on the rise in Micronesia.
He said in response they are upgrading local health services.
FSM President Wesley Simina at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Photo: UN Photo
"We are investing in the rehabilitation of primary health care clinics, the development of our health workforce and the use of telehealth to extend essential services to our most vulnerable and hard to reach populations," he said.
"However... additional financial and technical support from the international community is indispensable."
In Tonga, a campaign has been launched to tackle NCDs there, with funding support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It will focus on two major risk factors - physical inactivity and unhealthy diets.
The political declaration under consideration is 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 UN declaration sets global targets to be achieved by 2030, including 150 million fewer tobacco users, 150 million more people with hypertension under control, and 150 million more people with access to mental health care.
It also contains a sharper regulatory focus on e-cigarettes, novel tobacco products, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats.
The declaration will be considered for final approval later this month.
