UN Political Declaration can accelerate action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health
On 25 September 2025, governments discussed a Political Declaration aimed at accelerating global efforts to prevent and control NCDs and promote mental health, including through a one-third reduction of premature mortality from these conditions by 2030.
Commenting on the High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, Dr David Reddy, Director General of IFPMA, said:
“The High-level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health is an important milestone to rally global efforts to tackle the rise of non-communicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
“Medicines and vaccines have transformed how we prevent, treat, and cure chronic disease over the past few decades, and advances in biopharmaceutical innovation will bring further progress.
“If we are going to maximize the opportunity that this scientific innovation can bring, we need to focus on implementation in every country, ensuring that healthcare systems are supported with the right investment, effective regulatory systems, and sustainable procurement.”
Notes to editors
- Earlier this year, IFPMA published a “Call to Action,” outlining four priorities: enable innovation, mobilize investment, drive implementation, and ensure accountability. These remain critical to accelerating the collective leadership and action we need on NCDs and mental health. Getting this right will not only improve health outcomes – it will build healthy nations, strengthen global resilience, and drive long-term economic growth.
- A report commissioned by IFPMA to The Health Policy Partnership and published in June explores the intersection between NCDs and vaccine-preventable respiratory infections, offering policy recommendations for ensuring people living with NCDs receive the immunizations they need to live long and healthy lives.
- In response to the draft Political Declaration, IFPMA issued a policy brief in July calling for clearer commitments on leveraging health innovation, strengthening prevention and early action for lifelong health, and addressing multimorbidity through an integrated approach.
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
