Suicide has emerged as the third main cause of death among young people, the World Health Organization warned, as its general director, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, urged governments to take decisive measures against non -communicable diseases (NCD) and mental health challenges.
In a video publication about X on Saturday, Dr. Tedros, speaking ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stressed the importance of the high -level meeting on non -communicable diseases and mental health scheduled for September 25.
“Non -communicable diseases, or EV, include seven of the ten main causes of death in the world, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases,” he said.
“In addition, more than one billion people face mental health conditions, and suicide is the third main cause of death among young people.”
He stressed that beyond personal tragedies, the overall cost of ENTIs and mental health conditions entails enormous social and economic costs.
“In addition to cutting short lives and stealing the families of their loved ones, these deaths also incur great costs for health systems and economies,” said Dr. Tedros.
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According to the WHO head, countries have been negotiating a political statement during the past year, which will be ended at the Unga meeting.
The draft includes ambitious global objectives for 2030: reduce the use of tobacco by 150 million, expand access to mental health care for 150 million people and ensure that 150 million people achieve hypertension control.
“Investing in the prevention of NCD is not a cost,” he emphasized. “It is one of the most intelligent economic decisions that any government can take. But often, governments face a fierce opposition from industries that benefit from unhealthy products.”
He also called on a bold leadership that said: “The message is clear. The countries that act decisively will save millions of lives, protect families, reduce health costs and unlock economic growth.”
The high -level meeting is expected to produce a strong political statement, configuring international cooperation in the NCD combination and expanding mental health support during the next decade.
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