Civil Society Calls On Governments To Scale Up Investment In NCDs and Mental Health
With just two weeks to go before world leaders gather for the UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, Civil Society is urging governments to close the widening investment gap in tackling the world’s leading health threats.
A new report by the NCD Alliance and researchers at the University of Washington reveals that most countries are spending less than half of what is needed on NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as on mental health and neurological conditions.
Governments currently allocate just 0.26%–0.46% of gross national income (GNI) to these conditions through primary healthcare, compared with the 1.1% -1.7% needed to achieve universal coverage and financial protection.
The report highlights that access to affordable medicines remains the biggest obstacle, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where patients face both limited availability and high out-of-pocket costs.
Researchers estimate that medicine costs could be cut by up to 50% if countries secured best global prices.
“This analysis provides governments with data to support smarter investment on NCDs, mental health, and neurological conditions,” said Dr David Watkins, lead author of the report. “It’s not just about increasing investment but about making health budgets go further.”
While the draft Political Declaration for the UN meeting sets new targets on prevention, primary care, and financing, campaigners warn that the removal of commitments on health-promoting taxes, such as those on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, represents a missed opportunity.
“This is a critical moment. Millions of lives are on the line. We need leadership, funding, and accountability now. The world is watching,” said Nupur Lalvani of the Our Views, Our Voices Global Advisory Committee.
The findings form part of the NCD Alliance’s Time to Lead campaign, which is amplifying civil society voices ahead of the High-Level Meeting on 25 September.