Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions are a growing global crisis that disproportionately affect children and adolescents, particularly in poorer communities. More than 2.1 billion children under 20 are impacted or exposed to NCD risk factors, and 1 million die annually from preventable or treatable conditions such as type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and childhood heart disorders. Mental health challenges are also alarming: 1 in 7 adolescents live with a mental health condition, and suicide claims 45,800 adolescent lives each year, making it a leading cause of death in this age group. Over half of all mental health conditions begin before 18, with profound impacts on education, development, and well-being.
Key Risk Factors
Physical inactivity: 81% of adolescents do not engage in sufficient activity.
Tobacco & alcohol: 150 million use tobacco; 12% engage in heavy episodic drinking.
Obesity: 391 million children (ages 5–19) are overweight or obese.
Air pollution: Over 90% of children under 15 breathe toxic air daily.
NCDs and mental health are interconnected: chronic illnesses increase risks of depression and anxiety, while mental health conditions worsen NCD management and outcomes. Despite their scale, only 1–2% of global health aid targets NCDs, and mental health receives less than 2% of national health budgets. By 2040, NCDs could cost the global economy $47 trillion, driving inequities and pushing families into poverty due to high out-of-pocket care costs.
UNICEF’s Call to Action (for UN HLM 2025)
UNICEF urges governments and partners to:
Accelerate implementation – adopt evidence-based policies, strengthen primary and community care, and build a skilled workforce for child and adolescent health.
Strengthen integrated systems – embed NCDs and mental health into maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (MNCAH) programmes; regulate harmful marketing; and ensure universal, affordable care.
Increase investments – raise NCD aid from 1–2% to 20% by 2030, and mobilize domestic financing through health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary products.
Improve monitoring & accountability – adapt SDG indicators to capture child- and youth-specific data, expand suicide monitoring, and use digital health tools.
Engage youth & communities – ensure meaningful youth participation in policy design, national responses, and the UN High-Level Meeting outcomes.
Conclusion
Placing children at the core of the NCD and mental health agenda is vital for safeguarding their future, enabling them to thrive, and building healthier, more resilient societies. The UN High-Level Meeting in September 2025 represents a historic chance to transform global health priorities and secure commitments that put children first.