Updates from the fourth high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on noncommunicable diseases

Posted on 02.10.2025

On 25 September 2025, Heads of States and Government met at the UN General Assembly to discuss a new Political Declaration on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

The draft Political Declaration makes explicit reference to medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, including “diagnostics, health technologies, […] digital health technologies, […] and imaging”. The Declaration committed to accelerate the implementation of a priority set of evidence-based, cost-effective and affordable actions to progress in the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being.

Despite broad support for the text, some objections remain, and the draft Political Declaration failed to win formal endorsement during the High-Level Meeting. It was concluded that the text will be subject to vote by member states at the next UN General Assembly.

For more information, please contact Alice Bova, Officer International Affairs.