• The UN hearing on NCDs called for increased resources, including sustainable financing and health taxes, to combat the rising global burden of these diseases.
• Speakers emphasized the need to address the influence of harmful industries (tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and fossil fuels) on health policies and protect vulnerable populations.
• The decriminalization of suicide and the inclusion of people living with NCDs in decision-making processes were also highlighted as crucial steps.

A multi-stakeholder hearing convened at the United Nations, led by UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, addressed the escalating crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The hearing aimed to identify priorities for the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs scheduled for September 25th. With NCDs responsible for 70% of global deaths, discussions focused on securing increased resources, implementing policy changes, and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations. Calls were made for higher taxes on unhealthy products, the decriminalization of suicide, and safeguarding health policies from the undue influence of harmful industries.

• What: A UN multi-stakeholder hearing was held to discuss priorities for addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs.
• Who: Key individuals and organizations involved include UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, NCD Alliance CEO Kaie Dain, youth speaker Stephanie Whiteman, Women in Global Health Executive Director Magda Robalo, Vital Strategies CEO Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, and Lucía Feito Alonca of the International Diabetes Federation.
• When: The UN multi-stakeholder hearing took place on a Friday, prior to the UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs set for September 25th.
• Where: The event took place at the United Nations.

The UN multi-stakeholder hearing underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive global response to NCDs. The call for increased resources, including sustainable financing and health taxes, highlights the recognition that current efforts are insufficient to meet the challenge. Addressing the influence of harmful industries on health policies is crucial to ensuring effective prevention and treatment strategies. Furthermore, the emphasis on decriminalizing suicide and including people living with NCDs in decision-making reflects a growing awareness of the importance of human rights and patient-centered care.

The last decade has been coined as a policy success, but an implementation failure. This HLM has to change this, renewing commitments to cost-effective policies that we know work to reduce the risk factors and improve access to care.

We should be helping persons at their lowest, not punishing them. Every country should have a suicide prevention plan based on WHO’s Live Life approach.

If we truly want to build stronger health systems and achieve universal self coverage, we must listen to those who live with these conditions every single day. That means putting people at the centre of care.

The UN multi-stakeholder hearing on NCDs served as a critical platform for advocates to voice their concerns and propose solutions for tackling the global burden of these diseases. The call for increased resources, policy changes, and attention to vulnerable populations signals a growing recognition of the urgent need for action. The upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs presents a crucial opportunity for governments to commit to concrete measures and prioritize the prevention and control of NCDs.