September 18, 2025 (New York) — The political declaration for the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Disease and Mental Health marks significant multilateral commitments to address the world’s leading causes of death, such as cancer, hypertension and lung disease. The burden of NCDs continues to grow, creating profound health and economic challenges, especially for low- and middle-income countries.
Vital Strategies urges governments to use this gathering to pivot to urgent action, developing road maps to meet the targets of the declaration as well as complementary evidence-driven strategies such as taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol. Health taxes, in particular, hold the promise to rapidly improve health, reduce long-term health care burdens, and generate revenue that governments can use to fund other health services—which is especially important in a time of collapsing development assistance.
The era of governments subsidizing the profits of private industries by footing the long-term health care costs of cheap tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks must end. Recent bold tax initiatives from countries as diverse as Brazil, Mexico, Montenegro, Cabo Verde and Ethiopia show that rapid progress is possible and should inspire delegations at the meeting.
Three Priorities to Anchor NCD Implementation Plans:
- Scale Up Health Taxes and Cost-Effective Measures
Raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks is among the most effective steps governments can take to prevent disease, save lives and generate sustainable financing. Combined with measures such as restrictions on harmful marketing and front-of-package labeling, these interventions are affordable, feasible and ready to implement. - Establish Regulations That Correct Market Imbalances and Advance Equity
Voluntary targets and industry self-regulation are insufficient. To deliver real impact, governments must adopt enforceable regulations that curb harmful commercial practices, level the playing field, and prioritize public health over private profit. Strong regulation is essential to reduce inequities and protect those most at risk. - Secure Financing Free of Conflicts of Interest
Mobilizing adequate resources for NCDs and mental health requires prioritizing public financing and domestic revenue generation through health taxes. Engagement with industries that profit from harmful products undermines credibility and weakens policy. Financing mechanisms must be designed to safeguard against conflicts of interest and protect the independence of public health decision-makers.
Vital Strategies urges governments to treat the Declaration not as an end in itself, but as a tool to accelerate evidence-based implementation. The true test of the Declaration will be its translation into country-level action—measured in stronger laws, adequate financing, expanded services and protections that tangibly improve people’s lives. We stand ready to work alongside governments and partners to turn these commitments into meaningful action.
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We work with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives.
To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.