Small island developing states: standing together on NCDs and mental health

The document calls for strengthening SIDS health systems through integrating non-communicable disease (NCD) and mental health services into universal health coverage and primary health-care frameworks, as well as enhancing health literacy, creating climate resilience, and building and retaining a skilled health workforce. Severe weather events and changing sea temperatures (affecting local aquatic ecosystems and food production), as well as increasing levels of air pollution have enormous consequences for the health and wellbeing of SIDS populations, particularly with regard to NCDs2 and mental health.3 But there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Enhanced coordination among intergovernmental agencies to develop frameworks that address the interface of health and climate change, human rights, and emergency preparedness and responses will also build resilience across SIDS.5 At the country and regional levels, SIDS should undertake prioritisation exercises to determine which interventions would provide the most beneficial outcomes for their populations, and with optimal cost–benefit ratios.