Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
26 September 2025 | 13:15 CAT

📸 A view of the high-level meeting on the theme of scaling up multistakeholder and multisectoral responses for the prevention and control of NCDs in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Photo by: Manuel Elias / U.N.

A global health warning has been sounded as the United Nations prepares to convene its fourth high-level discussion on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. While the draft political declaration has been hailed for including oral health for the first time, critics argue that the document lacks the “necessary teeth” to bring meaningful change.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr. Bulela Vava from the Public Oral Health Forum stressed the urgency of the crisis. “Non-communicable diseases basically are diseases that are not transmittable directly from one person to another. These include diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and oral diseases,” he explained.

However, Dr. Vava cautioned that the draft declaration remains weak in its commitments. “It lacks  the necessary teeth that really emphasise stricter controls on industry players, especially in industries like alcohol, tobacco, ultra-processed food, and sugar and sweetened beverages,” he said.

Low and middle-income countries such as South Africa carry the heaviest NCD burden. Dr. Vava pointed to weak regulation and heavy industry influence as contributing factors. “These are countries that are still trying to develop economies that rely heavily on jobs provided by multinational corporations. What you often find is very little regulation, and it is civil society organisations that often have to do the heavy lifting,” he explained.

On the question of taxation as a tool, Dr. Vava noted that measures such as sugar taxes have proven useful but are limited in their impact. “They’re not effective tools when the taxes, in terms of amount, are not proportional to the damage caused Beyond that, when these taxes are collected, they need to be in the hands of capable governments that know exactly what to do with them.”

Looking ahead, he emphasised the role of accountability and civic engagement. “Civil society has been touted as a state watchdog. After the declaration today, what needs to happen from all corners of civil society, and even communities, is to keep their eyes very close on their local governments and ensure that governments are accountable.”

The UN meeting comes at a critical juncture as countries, including South Africa, face rising NCD prevalence. “Governments have the responsibility to ensure that their populations live long and healthy lives,” said Dr. Vava. “They must ensure that local or national policies align with what they ratify at the UN.”

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Ahmed Waja and Dr. Bulela Vava.