Introduction
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 75% of deaths worldwide, with 82% of premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries and small island developing states (SIDS). Mental health challenges are also increasing, particularly among vulnerable populations.
As global leaders prepare to gather at the 4th UN High-level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing (25 September 2025), the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF) — together with our Full and Associate Members — has released this Joint Statement.
The statement underscores the urgent need for prevention-focused, equity-driven, and system-wide strategies to address NCDs and mental health at their roots.
Key Messages
- Determinants matter: NCDs and mental health are shaped not only by individual choices but also by social, cultural, commercial, environmental, and economic determinants.
- Core solutions: Sustainable financing, community empowerment, and multisectoral collaboration are central to tackling these challenges — approaches that Health Promotion Foundations (HPFs) have contributed to across regions.
- Integration: Prevention and health promotion must be embedded into global and national agendas, aligned with climate action, universal health coverage, trade, and security.
Our Call to Action
INHPF calls on governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and global partners to:
- Mainstream NCD prevention and health promotion into policy agendas.
- Foster whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to enable healthier living.
- Strengthen primary healthcare, digital health, surveillance, and research for evidence-based action.
- Invest in sustainable financing and recognize prevention as essential infrastructure.
- Advance mental health and suicide prevention for youth, older adults, marginalized, and crisis-affected populations.
- Ensure continuity of NCD prevention and care in humanitarian and crisis settings.
“Long-term solutions for NCDs and mental health require sustainable financing, multisectoral collaboration, and empowered communities — contributions that Health Promotion Foundations have demonstrated across regions.”
Read the Full Statement
➡️ Download the full PDF version here
About INHPF
The International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF) unites Health Promotion Foundations and partners across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and beyond. Together, we strengthen knowledge, foster collaboration, and amplify the role of HPFs in building healthier, more equitable communities worldwide.
Uniting for Healthier Communities Worldwide
Contact: [email protected] | www.inhpf.org
