The World Health Organization (WHO), has sounded the alarm that nearly 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions, warning governments that failure to act will cost millions of lives and cripple economies.
The warning comes ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, scheduled for September 25 in New York.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus urged countries to treat the crisis as a priority.
“Non-communicable diseases include seven of the world’s top 10 causes of death. In addition, almost one billion people face mental health conditions,” Tedros said.
“Countries that act decisively to beat NCDs will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.”
Global Impact
WHO data shows:
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.
• Among those aged 15–29, it ranks fourth globally, with 73% of cases in low- and middle-income countries.
• The economic burden of NCDs and untreated mental health conditions runs into hundreds of billions annually, draining health systems and stalling development.
Nigeria’s Mental Health Toll
In Nigeria, WHO estimates put the suicide mortality rate at 3.5 per 100,000 people as of January 2024 — translating to about 15,000 deaths annually. Experts say poor access to psychiatric care, stigma, and worsening socio-economic conditions are driving the crisis.
UN Targets by 2030
Countries are negotiating a political declaration to be adopted at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) later this month, setting ambitious global goals:
• Cut tobacco use by 150 million people.
• Expand mental health care access to 150 million people.
• Ensure 150 million people achieve hypertension control.
Tedros stressed that prevention is not only life-saving but economically sound.
“Investing in NCD prevention is not a cost. It’s one of the smartest economic decisions any government can make. But often, governments face fierce opposition from industries that profit from unhealthy products,” he said.
Outlook
The High-Level UNGA meeting is expected to produce a binding declaration to scale up mental health services, cut preventable deaths, and strengthen global cooperation over the next decade.
Tedros concluded:
“The message is clear. Countries that act decisively will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.”
