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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised Nigeria alongside China, Egypt, Russia, Brazil, and Denmark for making significant progress in reducing deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The recognition came on Thursday through a report released by the UN health body titled “Saving Lives, Spending Less.” According to the report, countries that recorded the biggest gains achieved them by reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases and several types of cancer. These included stomach and colorectal cancers for both men and women, cervical and breast cancers for women, and lung and prostate cancers for men.
However, the report also highlighted areas of concern. It noted that deaths linked to pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and neurological conditions were still rising in many parts of the world, adding to the global burden of disease.
The WHO stressed that more needs to be done to sustain and accelerate progress. It explained that an additional investment of only US$3 per person every year in tackling NCDs could deliver global economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030.
Alongside the report, WHO presented a new analysis of country-level progress in reducing NCD-related deaths between 2010 and 2019. It showed that while 82 per cent of countries recorded reductions during the period, the rate of progress has slowed in recent years, with some countries even seeing reversals.
NCDs such as heart disease, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes remain the world’s biggest killers. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety also contribute heavily to the health burden. Currently, over one billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions. Alarmingly, nearly 75 per cent of deaths from NCDs and mental health occur in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for about 32 million lives lost every year.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, warned that governments must act urgently. He said: “Non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation. We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
He pointed to countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova as examples of nations taking strong steps in tackling these diseases, while urging others not to stall.
WHO experts stressed that the solutions are affordable and highly effective. They called on governments to implement what the organisation calls “Best Buys”—a set of proven, cost-effective interventions. These include taxation on tobacco and alcohol, restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children, stronger efforts to manage hypertension, and expanded cervical cancer screening.
Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, said governments must resist pressure from powerful commercial interests. “Tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food companies frequently attempt to block, weaken, or delay life-saving policies. It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” he warned.
According to WHO, scaling up these interventions globally would cost only US$3 per person per year on average but could save 12 million lives by 2030. It could also prevent 28 million cases of heart attack and stroke, add 150 million healthy life years, and generate over US$1 trillion in economic benefits.
The report comes just days before the Fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs and promotion of mental health, scheduled to hold in New York on September 25. Heads of State and Government are expected to adopt a bold Political Declaration to accelerate global action.
Dr. Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health, said the upcoming meeting is a crucial opportunity for leaders to show commitment. “We know what works. The time to act is now. Governments that act decisively will protect and save lives, cut costs, and unlock growth. Those that delay will pay in lost lives and weaker economies,” she stated.
For Nigeria, the recognition by WHO serves as both an encouragement and a reminder. While the country has made strides in reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, experts warn that continued investment in health infrastructure, public education, and preventive measures is necessary to sustain the gains.
As the global community prepares for the UN High-Level Meeting, WHO’s message is clear: putting people’s health above corporate interests and increasing modest investments in NCDs and mental health could transform millions of lives and strengthen economies worldwide.
