❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would reject a United Nations (UN) political declaration on non-communicable diseases.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administration, and the UN General Assembly.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement took place on Thursday during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The United States will walk away from the declaration, but we will never walk away from the world or our commitment to end chronic disease.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
🎯IMPACT: The declaration will still move forward for final approval in October, with broad international support expected despite U.S. objections.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that the United States would reject a United Nations (UN) political declaration aimed at addressing non-communicable diseases. The declaration, which has been in development for years, outlines a roadmap for combating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer, as well as promoting mental health.
Kennedy Jr. stated, “The United States will walk away from the declaration, but we will never walk away from the world or our commitment to end chronic disease.” He criticized the declaration for exceeding the UN‘s proper role while failing to address what he described as the most pressing health issues. He also mentioned concerns from the Trump administration regarding “radical gender ideology” and abortion.
The declaration sets ambitious targets for 2030, including reducing tobacco users by 150 million, enabling 150 million more people to control hypertension, and increasing access to mental health care. It also highlights the impact of non-communicable diseases, which cause 43 million global deaths annually, with 18 million occurring before the age of 70, primarily in low- and middle-income countries.
Despite some concerns about the document’s content, such as its omission of sugary beverages’ role in childhood obesity, there has been widespread support among UN members for its adoption. The World Health Organization stated that “world leaders have expressed overwhelming support for the text.”
The U.S. rejection of the declaration aligns with broader criticisms from the Trump administration of UN agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the declaration is expected to move forward, with UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock indicating that it will be considered for final approval by member states in October.
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