Mental health, while previously discussed, is set to take center stage at the forthcoming event, which will also address the prevention and management of other major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. These NCDs continue to be the primary contributors to global mortality and disability. Importantly, mental and physical health issues frequently coexist, underscoring the need for comprehensive, integrated healthcare strategies.
Understanding the Magnitude of the Issue
Dr. Devora Kestel, Acting Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights a sobering milestone: “For the first time, over one billion individuals worldwide are living with a mental health disorder.” Despite this, only a small fraction receive adequate care-merely nine percent of those suffering from depression, the most prevalent mental health condition, and just 40 percent of individuals with psychosis obtain necessary support. This stark gap calls for countries to innovate and expand mental health services, ensuring they are both accessible and effective.
Even where mental health services exist, barriers such as high costs, geographic distance, and poor integration with other healthcare systems often prevent people from receiving help. Additionally, societal stigma remains a powerful deterrent, discouraging many from seeking the assistance they need.
UNICEF is delivering mental health counseling and psychosocial support to women in Sierra Leone.
The Political Declaration expected to be adopted during the meeting aims to foster greater knowledge exchange and increase funding for mental health initiatives. Dr. Kestel emphasized that member states are focusing on universal challenges across all NCDs, while also addressing mental health-specific priorities such as youth mental health, suicide prevention, and the expansion of community-based services.
Interconnectedness of Mental and Physical Health
The rise of NCDs is primarily fueled by five key risk factors: tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol use, sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, and environmental pollution. Inadequate access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care further exacerbates the problem.
Dr. Kestel points out that these risk factors overlap significantly between mental and physical illnesses. “Promoting healthy habits-like regular exercise, balanced diets, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol-benefits both mental and physical well-being,” she explains.
She calls on policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action. “While mental health has gained attention recently, what’s needed now is genuine commitment. Leaders must recognize the challenges and implement systems that guarantee access to mental health care, from preventive lifestyle measures to personalized treatment plans that involve individuals with lived experience.”
Migrants and refugees often encounter numerous stressors that affect their mental health and overall well-being.
The forthcoming UN High-Level Meeting offers a pivotal chance to elevate mental health and NCDs on the international stage. Although, as Dr. Kestel acknowledges, the resulting declaration won’t be a “miracle solution,” it has the potential to chart a new path forward, unite nations, and prove that equitable, accessible mental health care can be achieved worldwide.
