The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fresh alarm over the growing global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health crises, warning that suicide has now become the third leading cause of death among young people.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, gave the warning on Saturday in a video message posted on X ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health scheduled for September 25 in New York.
“Noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, include seven of the world’s top ten causes of death, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease,” Tedros said.
“In addition, more than one billion people face mental health conditions, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people,” he added.
The WHO chief lamented that, beyond the personal tragedies, the social and economic toll of NCDs and mental health disorders is devastating.
“Apart from cutting lives short and robbing families of their loved ones, these deaths also incur huge costs for health systems and economies,” he said.
According to WHO data, suicide claims more than 700,000 lives annually across the world, making it the fourth leading cause of death among persons aged 15–29. Nearly three-quarters of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries.
In Nigeria, the suicide mortality rate as of January 2024 stood at 3.5 per 100,000 population, translating to an estimated 15,000 deaths annually.
Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that stigma, poor funding, and lack of access to treatment continue to worsen the situation.
Dr. Tedros disclosed that countries have spent the past year negotiating a political declaration that will be tabled at the UNGA.
The draft seeks to achieve ambitious global targets by 2030, including reducing tobacco use by 150 million people, expanding access to mental health care for another 150 million, and ensuring 150 million people achieve control of hypertension.
“Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost. It’s one of the smartest economic decisions any government can make,” he stressed.
“But often, governments face fierce opposition from industries that profit from unhealthy products,” he added, urging world leaders to resist such pressure.
The WHO boss insisted that bold leadership was needed to save lives, protect families, and unlock economic growth.
“The message is clear: countries that act decisively will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth,” he said.
The September 25 UNGA meeting is expected to end with a strong political declaration to guide international cooperation in combating NCDs and scaling up mental health interventions over the next decade.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
