World leaders have expressed overwhelming support for the text of the first United Nations global political declaration on responding to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular and lung diseases, cancer and diabetes and mental health in an integrated manner.
The declaration, negotiated during a five-month intergovernmental process, will be considered at the 80th session of the General Assembly for final approval in October 2025, said the WHO press note.
The heads of state and government, and ministers of health, met yesterday at the fourth United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
A leading cause of death worldwide, NCDs claimed at least 43 million lives in 2021, including 18 million people aged under 70 years. Four in five (82%) of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Mental health conditions affect over a billion people globally, it reads.
NCDs are increasing in every country, affecting every community, making them urgent issues for public health, productivity and sustainable economic growth setting global targets to be achieved by 2030.
Cholera Outbreak
From 1 January to 31 August 2025, a cumulative total of 462 890 cholera cases and 5869 deaths were reported from 32 countries.
Across five WHO regions, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region recording the highest numbers, followed by the African Region, the South-East Asia Region, the Region of the Americas, and the Western Pacific Region. No cases were reported in the European Region.
Influenza Vaccine
WHO has recommended viral composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2026 influenza season in the southern hemisphere which serve as the basis for national and regional regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and other stakeholders to develop, produce, and license influenza vaccines for the upcoming season.
