Australia is being urged to prioritize First Nations Peoples in higher education, as emphasized by five Deputy Vice-Chancellors in a recent Times Education article. The call to action highlights the need for urgent progress on key recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord. This appeal is part of a broader discussion on public health, housing rights, and chronic disease management, underscored by recent global and local developments.
Meanwhile, a new report advocates for substantial global investment in the fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), spotlighting healthcare disparities in regions such as lutruwita/Tasmania. Additionally, the World Conference on Health Promotion is slated to take place in Australia in 2028, marking a significant event for health policy advocates and professionals worldwide.
Noncommunicable Diseases in Focus
On September 25, global leaders will gather in New York for the 4th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and mental health promotion. This meeting is described as a pivotal political opportunity to drive transformative change. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled ‘Saving lives, spending less: the global investment case for noncommunicable diseases’, which aims to accelerate global action and investment in these critical health areas.
The WHO report outlines 29 “best buys”—highly effective and affordable measures that countries can implement to manage major NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and respiratory diseases. Despite some progress, the rate of reduction in NCD-related mortality has slowed, with some regions experiencing a resurgence.
NCDs account for the majority of global deaths, with over one billion people living with mental health conditions. Nearly 75% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in 32 million lives lost annually.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes, “Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation. We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering. Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are leading the way, while others are stalling. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
Challenges and Solutions
The WHO report highlights the affordability and cost-effectiveness of solutions to tackle NCDs and promote mental health. However, governments face significant lobbying from industries such as tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food companies, which often attempt to obstruct life-saving policies.
“It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. “Governments must put people before profits and ensure evidence-based policy is not derailed by corporate pressure.”
WHO calls for concrete actions, including:
- Implementing WHO’s ‘Best Buys’ tailored to national needs
- Taxing tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks
- Strengthening primary healthcare for prevention, early detection, and treatment
- Protecting children from harmful marketing
- Expanding access to essential medicines and technologies
- Securing financing through domestic budgets, health taxes, and targeted aid
- Setting bold targets and tracking progress with strong accountability
- Stopping industry interference in health policy
Australia’s Role and Future Steps
The WHO report briefly mentions Australia, highlighting the government’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative (2023–2028). This initiative, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to improve health outcomes in South-East Asian and Pacific countries. A significant investment of A$ 14.48 million (US$ 9.7 million) over four years supports the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC), focusing on HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment services.
As Australia prepares for the World Conference on Health Promotion in 2028, the nation is at a crossroads in addressing both local and global health challenges. The upcoming conference and ongoing initiatives present opportunities to reinforce commitments to public health and tackle the pressing issues of noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
With submissions for the National Food Security Strategy and a draft framework for a new oral health plan underway, Australia has the chance to lead by example in the global health arena. As the deadline for applications to run the new Australian Centre for Disease Control approaches, the focus remains on selecting leadership that can navigate these complex challenges effectively.
