 |
| WHO chairman said that almost one billion people face mental health condition. |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has given a serious warning that almost one billion people around the globe are living with mental health issues, calling on governments to take immediate and strong action before an important United Nations meeting later this month.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus raised concerns before the High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, which is set for September 25 during the UN General Assembly in New York.
He said that failure to act would not only cost millions of lives but also place unsustainable pressure on already fragile economies.
“Non-communicable diseases are responsible for seven of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Additionally, nearly one billion people are facing mental health issues,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. “Countries that take strong action against NCDs will save millions of lives, protect families, reduce health expenses, and promote economic growth.”
The WHO leader emphasized the severe human impact of mental illness, noting that suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among young people globally. For those aged 15 to 29, it ranks fourth, with 73% of cases happening in low- and middle-income nations.
Also, Dr. Ghebreyesus cautioned that the worldwide burden of NCDs and mental health challenges carries enormous economic and social consequences. “In addition to cutting lives short and taking loved ones away from families, these deaths also create massive costs for health systems and economies,” he said.
To tackle the crisis, WHO member states have been negotiating a political declaration over the past year, which is expected to be finalised at the upcoming UNGA session. The draft includes a series of ambitious global health targets to be achieved by 2030: reducing tobacco use by 150 million people, expanding mental health care access for another 150 million, and ensuring 150 million people achieve control of hypertension.
Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed that investing in prevention is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity. “Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost. It’s one of the smartest economic decisions any government can make. But often, governments face fierce opposition from industries that profit from unhealthy products,” he said, calling for bold leadership to overcome political and commercial resistance.The September 25 meeting is expected to deliver a strong political declaration that will shape global cooperation on noncommunicable diseases and mental health for the next decade, with experts warning that inaction could accelerate the collapse of health systems and deepen inequalities.