MSF welcomes the adoption of the UN-HLM political declaration on NCDs and mental health, commending its person-centered language, commitment to continuity of care in humanitarian settings, and time-bound and measurable targets for mental health and hypertension. Its lack of diabetes targets remains a serious gap.
To meaningfully address the disproportionate effect of NCDs and mental health conditions on people living in the fragile contexts where we work will require tangible action. We urge Member States to act decisively to ensure access to lifesaving healthcare products, such as insulin pens, glucose monitoring tools, and oral and long-acting antipsychotics, including through advocating for their inclusion in the Essential Medicines List and integration into the Universal Health Coverage.