This year’s UN NCD declaration: Wins on targets, losses on taxes

The United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) is a multilateral platform convened by the UN General Assembly to engage 193 Member States at the highest political level. On health, it elevates technical issues into the political agenda, ensuring greater visibility and accountability. The UNHLM on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), adopted on 25 September at the UN Headquarters in New York, has ignited mixed reactions. With NCDs claiming 74% of lives worldwide and 70% in Bangladesh, urgent action is non-negotiable, yet the declaration keeps some targets while falling far short of its original draft.

The politics of profit vs public health

Several technical documents were released, including the zero draft and successive revisions, to guide negotiations. Yet the final text is markedly weaker, dropping the previous goal that "at least 80% of countries" impose World Health Organisation (WHO)-recommended taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 2030. These measures are now optional "considerations", leaving wide room for industry influence and government hesitation.

In Bangladesh, the situation is stark. Tobacco kills over 160,000 people every year, yet the industry remains politically influential. According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2022, 49% ate junk food high in sugar and salt the day before the survey.

Some gains still matter

The final UN NCD declaration retains key targets. Yet, funding remains critically low. In Bangladesh, this means NCD services are still largely underfunded. Without decisive action, the global fight against NCDs risks losing momentum.

The writer is a Senior Officer, Planning and Development Unit, Eminence Associates for Social Development at Secretariat Coordinator, Bangladesh NCD Forum. Email: [email protected]