UN to Tackle Global Health Inequities at September Meeting
New York, Monday, 18 August 2025.
On September 25, 2025, the UN General Assembly aims to draft a decisive political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases and bolster mental health efforts, focusing on equitable health investments.
The Decennial Opportunity: HLM4’s Strategic Agenda
The Fourth High-level Meeting (HLM4) of the United Nations General Assembly presents a critical juncture, focusing on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. As of now, NCDs account for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. The meeting’s agenda is ambitious, aiming to craft a political declaration that addresses the key issues of health equity and systemic improvements in healthcare access [1]. This declaration will build upon past efforts to hit the 2030 target of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 [2].
Data-Driven Strategies: Prioritizing Investment and Innovation
Achieving the outlined health targets necessitates data-driven strategies that prioritize innovation and systemic restructuring of health services. Effective care coordination and innovative policies are needed to bridge the equity gaps exacerbated by underinvestment in health systems. In particular, the global health community is urged to embrace multisectoral and multistakeholder approaches to foster a more inclusive healthcare environment [1]. This systemic overhaul is vital for closing the treatment gaps—such as those seen in mental health services where, even in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, the treatment gap for depression remains alarmingly high at approximately 73.9% [3].
Economic Implications: Cost of Inaction and Required Investments
The economic implications of ignoring the increased NCD burden are staggering. Inaction and insufficient investment can lead to substantial economic losses. Approximately 344 million people were pushed into extreme poverty in 2019 due to out-of-pocket health costs [2]. Investments in health systems could drive down these costs and spur economic growth by ensuring a healthier workforce. Aligning health services with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involves both increasing funding and developing a competent health workforce, particularly in developing nations where these initiatives are most needed [4].
Successful Implementation Models: Learning from Diverse Experiences
Diverse global experiences offer valuable insights into effective NCD and mental health interventions. The NCD Diaries Series, for instance, contained narratives from individuals in various countries, showcasing resilience and the efficacy of community-driven healthcare strategies [5]. Such grassroots advocacy demonstrates that community-based solutions, aligned with national policy frameworks, can transform healthcare delivery. The upcoming UN meeting is an opportunity to integrate these narratives into a larger strategy that prioritizes health justice and equitable care access for all [2].