The Looming NCD Crisis: Why a UN Failure to Act Could Cost Millions of Lives
By 2035, a staggering 4 billion people will be living with obesity. This isn’t a distant threat; it’s a rapidly escalating global health emergency, and a recent setback at the United Nations underscores just how difficult it will be to reverse course. The US veto of a key declaration aimed at tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses – isn’t just a diplomatic failure; it’s a potential turning point towards a future where preventable illnesses overwhelm healthcare systems worldwide.
A Divided Front on Global Health
The fourth political declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health garnered overwhelming support at the UN General Assembly, only to be rejected by the United States. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. cited concerns over “destructive gender ideology” and perceived overreach by the UN, alongside objections to any implied international right to abortion, as reasons for the veto. While the declaration itself doesn’t explicitly mention reproductive rights or gender, the US stance has ignited criticism and raised questions about the future of international cooperation on critical health issues.
Despite the US opposition, many remain optimistic that the declaration will ultimately be agreed upon. Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance, stated, “The unity we saw today proves that most governments are ready to take the baton on NCDs.” However, the damage may already be done, signaling a potential shift in global health priorities and a weakening of the collective resolve to address these escalating threats.
The Preventable Pandemic: A Staggering Toll
NCDs are already the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for 43 million fatalities annually – 75% of all deaths globally. Crucially, 80% of these deaths are preventable. The declaration aimed to accelerate responses to these diseases, improve access to affordable medicines, and integrate mental health care. But the most impactful measures – those targeting the root causes – were conspicuously absent.
The Power of Lobbying and the Absence of Tough Measures
Health experts have sharply criticized the omission of recommendations for stricter taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks. These levies, initially included in earlier drafts, were removed following intense lobbying efforts by powerful industries. The absence of even a mention of sugary drinks is particularly alarming, given their documented link to obesity, diabetes, and other NCDs. Alison Cox, policy and advocacy director of the NCD Alliance, lamented that the watered-down declaration represented a missed opportunity to curb consumption of harmful products and generate vital funding for healthcare.
This highlights a critical tension: the clash between public health imperatives and the economic interests of industries profiting from products that fuel the NCD crisis. As Cox points out, the interests of a few are effectively overriding the health of populations.
The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods and the Obesity Epidemic
The link between diet and NCDs is undeniable, and the increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a major driver of the global obesity epidemic. A recent Unicef report revealed a disturbing trend: for the first time, more children worldwide are obese than underweight, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the fastest increases. These nations, often with fragile health and food systems, are least equipped to handle the consequences.
Dr. Joan Matji, director of child nutrition and development at Unicef, emphasized the pervasive nature of UPFs, noting that children are constantly bombarded with cheap, aggressively marketed options in every aspect of their lives. The profitability of these foods grants the industry significant power and influence, hindering efforts to promote healthier choices.
Mexico’s Bold Approach: A Sugar Tax Success Story
Mexico offers a compelling case study. Having introduced a sugar tax in 2014, the country is now planning a 40% increase, projected to generate $3.2 billion annually for a dedicated health fund. With one in three Mexican children overweight or obese and diabetes claiming 100,000 lives each year, the urgency is clear. As Ramiro López Elizalde, Mexico’s vice-minister of health, powerfully stated, “Obesity is the silent epidemic of our time… Human life is not a market; it is a right we must defend.”
Looking Ahead: A Call for Systemic Change
The UN setback is a stark reminder that addressing the NCD crisis requires more than just declarations and good intentions. It demands a fundamental shift in approach, one that prioritizes public health over corporate profits and embraces bold, evidence-based policies. This includes implementing robust taxes on harmful products, regulating the marketing of UPFs, and investing in preventative healthcare measures. Furthermore, a renewed focus on health equity is crucial, ensuring that all populations have access to affordable, quality care and the resources they need to make healthy choices.
What are your predictions for the future of global health policy in the face of industry influence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
