A whole-of-society approach responding to NCDs: WHO GCM/NCD

The burden of NCDs and mental health conditions

The impact of NCDs and mental health conditions, their shared risk factors and their determinants on individuals, communities and economies remains one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Globally, three out of four deaths are related to NCDs including cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke), cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. A great majority of premature deaths from NCDs occur in low-and middle-income countries. Often, these premature deaths are linked to insufficiently monitored and mitigated NCD risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, alcohol consumption or air pollution. The annual global burden of mental health conditions is estimated to cost US$ 1 trillion of lost economic output.

The projected economic cost of inaction on NCDs and menatl health condition is estimated at a staggering USD 46 trillion by 2030. On the upside, for every dollar invested in safe and cost-effective NCD policies and programmes there is a return of US$7 per person. Investing in mental health prevention and care is similarly promising: every US$1 invested in treatment for depression and anxiety yieldsa US$ 4 return in better health and productivity.

Yet, tackling the global burden of NCDs and mental health conditions is both essential and achievable. Several evidence-informed, tried and tested approaches are available to countries to implement effective, cost-efficient, and inclusive measures to address NCDs, including WHO Best Buys, multisectoral governance and action, knowledge collaboration across stakeholder groups, and meaningful engagement of people living with health conditions and their communities.