The World Patients Alliance (WPA) welcomes the adoption of a new Political Declaration by world leaders at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly, marking a significant step forward in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health and well-being through an integrated global approach.
The declaration recognises that NCDs and mental health conditions are deeply interconnected and represent one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Together, they affect billions of people and place a heavy burden on individuals, families, health systems, and economies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
For WPA, this commitment aligns closely with our vision of a world where all patients have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, and with our mission to amplify the patient voice in health policy and decision-making. Importantly, the declaration moves beyond broad statements by setting measurable global targets to be achieved by 2030, including expanded access to mental health care, improved control of hypertension, and reduced tobacco use.
From a patient-centred perspective, the value of this declaration will be judged by its implementation. Patients living with NCDs and mental health conditions continue to face delayed diagnosis, limited access to essential medicines, fragmented services, stigma, and high out-of-pocket costs. Commitments must therefore translate into stronger primary healthcare, financial protection, and integrated care pathways that respond to lived experience, not just policy intent.
WPA particularly welcomes the declaration’s emphasis on equity, prevention, and multisectoral action, as well as its broader recognition of environmental, social, and commercial determinants of health. These elements are critical for reducing avoidable illness and ensuring that no patient is left behind.
As the global voice of patients and patient organisations, WPA calls on governments, partners, and international institutions to embed patients and patient organisations meaningfully in national NCD and mental health strategies, implementation, and monitoring. Patient engagement must be treated as a core component of governance and accountability.
WPA stands ready to work with World Health Organization, Member States, and civil society to support the translation of this political declaration into real improvements in care, access, and outcomes for patients worldwide.
