The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) urges Member States to recognize NCDs, including mental health, as key priorities for primary health care. People live with multiple chronic conditions which lead to disability, financial hardship, and premature mortality.
Family doctors and primary care teams are uniquely positioned to provide integrated, person-centered, and continuous care across the life course. Governments should invest in community-based primary health care, particularly the health workforce, expand access to essential medicines, and strengthen mental health services as an integral part of prevention and care management programs.
Policies must address social determinants, reduce stigma, and ensure equitable access for all from every age, including vulnerable and frail populations, migrants, and people affected by conflict. WONCA calls for sustained financing, measurable targets, and accountability to achieve healthier communities worldwide for all.