Are We Doing Enough on Chronic Disease? Experts Say Draft Global Declaration still needs work

A new international declaration on chronic diseases and mental health is currently being negotiated---but experts warn it misses the mark on key issues.

While the draft backs stronger health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, and calls for more investment in prevention, it overlooks crucial concerns: the specific risks faced by women and girls, the growing impact of climate change on health, and the need for better access to treatment and care.

The authors---Lucy Westerman, Veronica Le Nevez and Hayley Jones---also urge stronger inclusion of people with lived experience and Indigenous voices in shaping responses.

They call on the Australian Government to lift its game too, pointing out that prevention currently makes up less than two percent of national health spending. With 74% of deaths globally due to NCDs, an increase in prevention will save lives and costs down the line.