Joining Forces to Control NCDs: How to Tackle the Largest Disease Burden

Despite significant advances in healthcare, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental health conditions remain the leading causes of premature deaths and disability globally, with people living in LMICs being at a far greater risk. A substantial share of these deaths is preventable through timely, comprehensive and integrated health care services that are accessible, context appropriate, and supported by coherent policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks.

However, persistent gaps in prevention, diagnostics, treatment access, and sustainable financing continue to impede an effective response. Without decisive action, SDG target 3.4 – reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third by 2030 – will remain out of reach. The declaration of the fourth UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM4) on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being in September 2025 marks a renewed global commitment to tackling NCDs and accelerating progress. It establishes a core framework to guide and accelerate global action on NCD prevention and control from 2025 onward.

With the UNHLM4 framework in effect, this session offers a timely and unique opportunity to examine key enablers and barriers to its implementation. Discussions will center on strengthening health systems and ensuring access to equitable integrated care. Drawing on practical examples and multisectoral perspectives, this session seeks to identify scalable, inclusive, and needs-based solutions for NCD prevention and treatment. It will reflect how to create synergies across sectors and stakeholders to design and sustain an effective (global) response to NCDs.