UNGA: PAHO to join global call for action at High-level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health – PAHO/WHO

With the increase in NCDs that cause 80% of deaths in the Americas and the increasing mental health needs, Paho brings a strong regional voice to global discussions. Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa will participate in key events and press for concrete action and strengthened cooperation.

Washington, DC, September 18, 2025 (PAHO) – On September 25, global leaders will meet at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the Fourth High Level Meeting (HLM4) on the prevention and control of non -communicable diseases (NCD) and the promotion of health and mental well -being. The meeting will adopt a political statement to accelerate efforts to reduce ENT, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and improve mental health results by 2030.

Directed by director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will bring the perspective of the Americas, emphasizing equitable health systems and community care to face these growing challenges.

«The growing load of NCD and mental health conditions is a storm that threatens lives and economies throughout our region,» said Dr. Barbosa. «By prioritizing universal health coverage, bold fiscal policies and early detection, prevention and control, we can protect millions and build a healthier future for Americas.»

A call to urgent action

The EDs are responsible for more than 80% of deaths in the Americas, while depression remains a main cause of disability and suicide of the fourth cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. However, progress towards the objective of the sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.4, reduces NCD premature mortality by a third and promotes mental health) is out of the track, due to persistent insertion and inequities in access to attention. HLM4 demands a collaboration from the entire government and the entire society, sustainable financing and action on social, economic and environmental risk factors.

The PAHO has been at the forefront of regional efforts to reduce the burden of ENTIs and improve public health, contributing to a 16% decrease in mortality from chronic diseases and a 22% reduction in the use of tobacco in the Americas in the Americas since 2000. More recently, initiatives, such as best attention and heart Improved detection through the detection, treatment and management of the conditions of the conditions of the conditions of the conditions of conditions and conditions such as NCDS and hearts are helping countries in countries.

Countries also advance policies such as front food labeling, HPV vaccination programs and expanded mental health services. However, the challenges remain, particularly around unequal access, stigma and interference of the industry.

Participation of Dr. Barbosa in Unga 80

During the Unga week, Dr. Barbosa will participate in key secondary events:

• September 22:
  • It offers opening comments in «Association for the Impact: taking advantage of intersectoral associations for suicide prevention in the Americas», with the Foundation of WHO and Boehringer Ingelheim.
  • Speak in «Health without borders: Building a global workforce for the future ”, a firm chat organized by Devex and the Saudi Commission of Health Specialties.
  • Joins a panel in «Unite division: non -communicable and infectious diseases«, Organized by the Mérieux and Weill Cornell Medicine Foundation, exploring links between diseases such as HPV and cervical cancer.
• September 23:
  • Provides closing comments on «High blood pressure, high bets: translate commitment into an action that saves lives«Organized by whom, it resolves to save lives and philanthropies of Bloomberg, focusing on global hypertension solutions.
  • Participate in a round table, «Bridging the GAP: Innovative approaches scale for access to NCD medicine in LMIC», organized by the group of medication patents, the NCD alliance and others.
  • It contributes to «revolutionize the attention of non-communicable diseases: expand access through primary health care», Co-Emprerion of Mexico and Saudi Arabia with Paho and the WHO regional office for the support of the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO).
• September 24:
• September 25:
  • Participate in the parallel event led by Caricom, «From the port of Spain to HLM4, celebrating 18 years of caricom leadership in NCD.»
  • He attends the round table of the Global Initiative of Clinton (CGI), «architecting a prosperous digital future.»
  • He speaks in the CGI leaders stage in «a new global health plan.»

In addition to these events, Dr. Barbosa will hold bilateral meetings with key health and world development partners and is expected to sign several cooperation agreements to advance public health priorities in the Americas.

The PAHO calls the Member States, the NGOs and the communities that join to support the HLM4 vision of equitable health systems, based on rights and integrated that do not leave anyone behind.