At the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus and Germany’s Health Minister Nina Warken called for urgent global efforts to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the silent pandemic claiming 43 million lives annually. Dr. Tedros highlighted how diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions cut down 18 million people under 70 each year, many from preventable causes. With over one billion facing mental health issues worldwide, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among youth. The upcoming UN Political Declaration aims to reduce tobacco use, control hypertension, and expand mental health care access globally. Warken emphasized prevention as a global imperative, urging nations to act now with determination and partnerships. Despite advances, gaps in prevention, treatment, and funding threaten Sustainable Development Goals on health. This summit is a crucial chance to push for integrated, equitable care and multisectoral collaboration to turn the tide on NCDs.
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