On September 25, 2025, heads of state and government will meet in New York for a high-level meeting on preventing and combating noncommunicable diseases and promoting mental health. In the run-up to this meeting, the IDDC and the International Disability Alliance have been campaigning for the political declaration to be adopted in New York to recognize the increased risks of such diseases for people with disabilities. It should also contain clear commitments to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all measures relating to noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and psychosocial well-being.
This is because persons with disabilities are at increased risk of suffering from noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental illness. There are many reasons for this. On the one hand, they often have limited access to healthcare (e.g. due to difficult access to doctors' offices or hospitals), are physically restricted, which means they are less able to exercise, and suffer from side effects of their medication, which can lead to weight gain or high blood pressure, for example. On the other hand, they often experience discrimination, stigmatization, and social isolation, which increases the risk of mental illness.
Here you will find all IDDC demands plus a list of all organizations that have signed the demand: Co-sign the IDDC and IDA statement for the High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being – IDDC.