From Dialogue to Action: How Germany Can Shape Global Progress on NCDs and Mental Health
![[Translate to English:] Illustration showing a diverse group of people engaged in conversation, symbolizing collaboration on mental and physical health. The background features soft blue tones with plant motifs, speech bubbles, and a heart with an ECG line, representing connection, care, and wellbeing](/fileadmin/user_upload/NCD_artikel_bild.png "[Translate to English:]")
Non-communicable diseases and mental health require global action, and Germany can play a leading role in this.
A Silent Pandemic in Need of Global Leadership
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions remain among the greatest health challenges of our time. Despite advances in healthcare, they are the leading causes of premature death and disability worldwide. Around 14% of the global population is affected by mental disorders, while NCDs account for 75% of all premature deaths - with one life lost every two seconds among people under 70. Alarmingly, 86% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where timely, integrated care could prevent many of them.
This “silent pandemic” calls for urgent, coordinated action - and Germany has a critical role to play.
Shaping Germany’s Position Ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs
The fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs (UNHLM4) in September 2025 provided a key moment for governments and civil society to set priorities and push for meaningful change. In the run-up to this meeting, the Global Health Hub Germany’s (GHHG) NCD Community engaged actively in shaping Germany’s political position.
Before the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration was released, GHHG conducted a members’ survey to identify their priorities for the UNHLM. These results were presented and discussed with Germany’s Ministry of Health, offering a direct channel for civil society input. Once the Zero Draft appeared, the NCD Community developed a detailed presentation with comments and recommendations, which was shared with the Ministry.
These steps helped ensure that Germany’s national stance was informed by diverse voices. They also laid the foundation for the development of GHHG’s Policy Brief - synthesizing community input, stakeholder interviews, and insights from the GHHG Global Health Talk 2025.
Read the Policy Brief here: GHHG_NCDs_Policy_Brief_final.pdf
Global Reactions to UNHLM4: Setbacks and the Importance of Germany’s Voice
While many governments expressed strong support for the Political Declaration in New York, the United States blocked its adoption at the last moment, citing objections to taxes on unhealthy products and references to gender and reproductive health. This unexpected blockade means the Declaration will now go to a vote in the UN General Assembly - delaying global action on NCDs and mental health. This development underscores the importance of Germany’s political leadership.
The Policy Brief reflects a year of dedicated work by the Global Health Hub Germany’s NCD Community with support of the Global Mental Health Community and offers clear recommendations for Germany to lead the way in addressing NCDs and mental health:
- Strengthening political leadership
- Prioritizing prevention
- Building strategic partnerships
- Improving access to care, diagnostics, and medicines
- Mobilizing sustainable financing
- Promoting knowledge exchange
It is both a reflection of shared expertise and a call to action - showing how Germany can transform dialogue into results and take a leading role in advancing equitable, integrated, and well-funded solutions for the silent pandemic of NCDs and mental health.
The Policy Brief is now available here: GHHG_NCDs_Policy_Brief_final.pdf