In a significant development for global health, a comprehensive declaration addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was adopted during a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters on Thursday. This five-month-long negotiation culminated in a document poised for approval by the General Assembly in a matter of weeks. The urgency for action was underscored by the heads of state, government leaders, and health ministers who gathered to highlight the need for a coordinated global response to tackle the leading causes of premature death.
The Global Burden of NCDs
NCDs such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and diabetes represent the world’s most pressing health challenges, claiming a staggering 43 million lives in 2021 alone. Alarmingly, 18 million of those affected were individuals under the age of 70, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures. Mental health conditions add another layer of complexity, impacting over one billion people globally.
The newly adopted declaration sets ambitious targets for 2030. Among these are goals to reduce the number of tobacco users by 150 million, ensure that 150 million more individuals with hypertension receive proper care, and provide access to mental health services for another 150 million. By broadening its scope to include oral health, childhood cancer, and other diseases, the declaration emphasizes a holistic approach to health.
Addressing Environmental and Lifestyle Risks
An important aspect of the declaration is its focus on environmental risks. It recognizes the detrimental impact of air pollution, hazardous chemicals, and unsafe cooking methods on public health. In tandem with this, new regulations will tackle the rising concerns regarding e-cigarettes and the marketing of junk food to children. Eliminating trans fats is also a crucial goal aimed at improving diet-related health outcomes.
The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have also influenced the declaration, fostering an awareness of the digital harms associated with social media. Issues like excessive screen time and the spread of misinformation are now factored into public health strategies. One of the key messages from the World Health Organization (WHO) is clear: the voices and experiences of those living with NCDs and mental health challenges must be integral to developing responsive policies.
A Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
On a different front, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has created an urgent humanitarian crisis. The war between rival military factions has left vast areas of the capital, Khartoum, devastated. For returning residents, the conditions are dire, with many lacking adequate shelter and facing limited access to essential resources like water and food.
Urgent Need for International Support
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has emphasized the dire state of shelter for returning citizens—two out of every three individuals now live in homes that require urgent repairs. Meanwhile, UNICEF has reported that over five million children have been displaced by the war, grappling with hunger and the threshold of disease outbreaks amidst ongoing violence.
The UN is striving to provide life-saving support across health, nutrition, and education as humanitarian situations worsen in conflict-affected areas like Darfur. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has painted a grim picture: civilians in El Fasher face relentless attacks and acute hunger, while conditions continue to deteriorate nationwide.
Ongoing Support for Ukraine
Despite the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion, the World Food Programme (WFP) continues to provide vital assistance to frontline communities in Ukraine. In just the last month, the WFP successfully delivered over 250,000 food boxes to eight frontline regions, offering crucial sustenance where food markets remain shut or prices skyrocket.
Partnerships to Support Vulnerable Populations
Additively, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has forged a $5 million partnership with Saudi Arabia aimed at supporting vulnerable Ukrainians displaced by the war. This agreement, formalized during the High-Level Week of the General Assembly in New York, follows a previous $10 million donation from Saudi Arabia for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. This funding will help families protect themselves against the severe winter conditions as temperatures drop significantly.
South Sudan’s Human Rights Crisis
Shifting focus to South Sudan, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk raised an alarm over the deteriorating human rights situation. He reported nearly 2,000 civilian deaths in 2023 alone, amidst a backdrop of escalating political tensions and violence.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the conflict has led to forced sexual violence, abductions, and widespread injuries. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) stated that civilian casualties have surged to the highest quarterly levels since 2020, driven primarily by conventional conflicts and intra-communal violence.
The Need for Justice
In the pursuit of accountability, court proceedings have commenced in the capital Juba against the First Vice President Riek Machar and other senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition. They face serious charges, including murder and treason—stemming from a violent incident where over 250 soldiers reportedly lost their lives in an attack attributed to Machar’s forces. The UN emphasizes that these judicial proceedings must align with international human rights standards.
