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I declare that I am not funded, sponsored, supported, or influenced by the alcohol*, tobacco and nicotine**, ultra-processed and HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and/or salt) foods & beverages***, fossil fuel extraction or arms industries. Industries as defined in the NCD Alliance Organisational Conflict of Interest Policy.

The call to lead: three actions all governments must take

1.

Mobilise investment

by increasing sustainable funding for health that includes specific and measurable financing targets for NCDs strategies and maximises the win-win from health taxes and other fiscal measures.

2.

Accelerate implementation

by delivering the proven, cost-effective policies to reduce NCD risk factor exposure, integrating quality NCD interventions into person-centred care and universal health coverage benefit packages, and expanding access to essential NCD medicines, technologies, and resources.

3.

Deliver accountability

by regularly monitoring and reporting to citizens and the global community on an updated set of NCD targets extended to 2030 and beyond; and by integrating NCD commitments into the post-SDG agenda.

Millions of people die from preventable NCDs every year, and millions more live with long-term disabilities. NCDs affect families and communities worldwide—we have all been affected. We know what needs to be done and how to do it. We stand ready to support and lead alongside governments.

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Now is the time to take immediate, decisive action. Now is the time to lead.

I call on governments to fulfil their commitments to tackle the NCD burden, and urge Member States at the UN Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025 to mobilise investment, accelerate implementation and deliver accountability.

 

Read the call to governments

Dear Heads of Government/State,

The global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is unacceptable, inequitable and increasing. NCDs such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, neurological conditions and mental health, are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. An estimated three billion people live with NCDs without proper care, many unable to afford necessary treatment.

NCDs represent one of the major threats to achieving sustainable health and development globally. Inaction on NCDs perpetuates poverty and widens the gap between rich and poor. Failure to implement the tried and tested solutions needlessly costs the global economy trillions of dollars.

We represent the voices of billions of people living with NCDs, their families, and their caregivers. We urge governments to fulfil their responsibility to protect current and future generations from the risk factors that cause NCDs and provide healthcare for those who need it. We assert the right of civil society, especially people living with NCDs, to be actively engaged in all relevant health processes and decision‑making.

NCDs are at the heart of many global issues. They are both a cause and a consequence of poverty, and people living with NCDs are at increased risk during all health and humanitarian emergencies.

Health and wellbeing are not purely a matter of choice; they are shaped by the social, environmental, and economic conditions into which we are born, live, and work. Those experiencing the heaviest burden from NCDs live in low- and middle-income countries and communities. Health-harming industries drive exposure to NCD risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods, and air pollution—heavily associated with fossil fuels.

Addressing the prevention and control of NCDs is integral to ensuring progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By doing so, we can simultaneously address other global development crises and threats to wellbeing, advancing towards a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world for all. This is the responsibility of all governments.

Over the last two decades NCDs were raised high on the policy and political agenda. In target 3.4 of the SDGs, all UN Member States committed to a one-third reduction in premature deaths from NCDs and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing by 2030. However, implementation is progressing at a glacial pace, leaving the world far off track from achieving this target.