Financing policies to sustain improved prevention, control, and management of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions.

Abstract

All countries have pledged to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, but financing has not followed. This Health Policy summarises the background research and key messages from a financing dialogue convened by WHO and the World Bank in June, 2024. Although each country context is unique, policies to lower the costs of essential medicines and improve the implementation of excise taxes on tobacco and other unhealthy products would be priorities for most countries. Multisectoral coalitions play a key role in advocating for non-communicable disease and mental health services and for increased and smarter spending on health in general. Development assistance, although limited in size, can be used to catalyse national action and overcome implementation barriers. Adopting the seven key actions recommended in this Health Policy can help governments to increase their spending for non-communicable disease and mental health services and improve efficiency in the use of available resources.