Alison Cox, the policy director for the NCD Alliance, expressed her dismay after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would reject a pivotal United Nations political declaration aimed at combating non-communicable diseases.
Cox was present during the Thursday proceedings and described the U.S. decision as “a massive disappointment to hear a government step away.”
The declaration was the result of years of collaborative efforts involving governments, health experts, and civil society representatives. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, and promoting mental health.
Despite stating that he cares about addressing chronic diseases, RFK Jr. firmly objected to the U.N. declaration. He 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 further criticized the declaration, claiming that it exceeds the U.N.’s proper role while overlooking critical health issues, although he did not specify which issues he had in mind.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to NPR’s inquiries for clarification regarding his comments.
RFK Jr. did mention concerns from the Trump administration about promoting “radical gender ideology” and abortion; however, the U.N. declaration does not address these topics.
The focus of the declaration is primarily on the staggering 43 million annual deaths caused by non-communicable diseases worldwide, with 18 million of these deaths occurring before the age of 70—most of which take place in low- and middle-income countries.
Key targets outlined in the declaration aim for significant progress by 2030. Goals include reducing the number of tobacco users by 150 million, helping an additional 150 million people manage their hypertension, and expanding access to mental health care for those in need.
Despite the strong U.S. rejection, advocates and some countries have raised their own concerns about the declaration’s content, highlighting that it fails to address the impact of sugary beverages, which contribute to rising childhood obesity rates.
Nonetheless, there has been a consensus among global leaders for the declaration’s progression. On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated strong support from countries for the text.
RFK Jr.’s dismissal of the declaration exemplifies a broader trend of skepticism toward the WHO and other United Nations bodies, reflective of the Trump administration’s previous criticisms. The U.S. began withdrawing from the WHO shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, further straining U.S. relationships with international health organizations. RFK Jr. has actively influenced global health policies, including cutting funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, citing concerns based on dubious research.
Despite the U.S. rejection, U.N. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock confirmed that the declaration will still be presented for final approval by member states in the General Assembly in October. Cox remains optimistic, predicting that it will garner wide support during the approval process.
image source from：npr
