Every two seconds, someone under 70 dies from a noncommunicable disease like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or a chronic respiratory illness — with most of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

With 80% of NCDs linked to preventable risk factors like smoking, alcohol, poor diets, and air pollution, we have the tools to fight back — if we can align fiscal policies with health priorities.

2025 was a decisive year to drive action, with the Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health in September offered a crucial platform to build commitments. Now, The clock is ticking to mobilize cross-sector engagement and secure financing for NCD prevention, treatment, and care.

Members of the Accelerating Action Advisory Board reflected on the outcomes of HLM4 and what is needed to transform political commitments on NCDs and mental health into real action moving forward: