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Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Fourth High-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being.

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Health is the foundation of dignity and prosperity. Yet today, non-communicable diseases—such as cardiovascular illness, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions—remain the leading cause of death in Europe. They account for two-thirds of deaths and 77% of the disease burden. Beyond the numbers, they weaken communities and cost our economies billions each year. Yet we know that much of this can be prevented by tackling the risk factors of tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, and inactivity.

Alongside this, we must also address mental health. In recent years, it has rightly gained greater recognition as an essential part of overall wellbeing. Yet many countries still face serious challenges — from stigma and low funding to rising mental illness. In Lithuania, one in eight citizens has a diagnosed mental or behavioral disorder. Additionally, for many years, we carried the tragic distinction of having the highest suicide rate in Europe. This has been one of our greatest national challenges. But through steady effort, awareness, and reform, we cut that rate in half over the last decade. We have also raised funding and placed mental health closer to the core of our health system.

Today, we are implementing comprehensive reforms. We are shifting from hospital-based to community-based services, guided by human rights and recovery principles. We are expanding psychotherapy and crisis response teams, introducing new suicide prevention tools, and building a network of mental health ambassadors to fight stigma. By 2030, Lithuania has set ambitious yet clear targets: to reduce suicides by 40 percent, decrease re-hospitalizations by one third, lower stigma, and cut substance use among young people by nearly 30 percent. Finally, Lithuania is also pursuing a new strategic direction — integrating mental health into all policies.

Excellencies, the message is simple: NCDs and mental health together define the wellbeing of our societies. Both require prevention, innovation, and equity. Both demand stronger international cooperation and the active involvement of civil society. And both must be addressed with urgency if we are to save lives, reduce inequalities, and build healthier, fairer societies.

Health is not simply the absence of disease—it is the foundation of opportunity, dignity, and peace. Let us commit to building a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope.

Thank you.