UNITED STATES – The United States has rejected the United Nations’ new political declaration on non-communicable diseases, arguing that it ignores the most urgent health issues facing the world. Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Thursday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the United States would not support the declaration, though it remained committed to fighting chronic disease globally.“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,” Kennedy stressed during the high-level session.The declaration, expected to be adopted at the ongoing meeting of world leaders, sets an ambitious global health agenda through 2030.
It calls for stronger action against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expanded efforts to promote mental health and well-being.Kennedy, however, criticized the text as “controversial” and burdened with “provisions about everything from taxes to oppressive management” by international bodies. He argued that the document tried to do “too little and too much” at once and said it strayed beyond the U.N.’s appropriate role while failing to confront the most critical health threats.He did not specify the health issues the U.S. believed were being overlooked but highlighted ultra-processed food as a global danger. Calling such food a “scourge,” Kennedy said it plays a central role in fueling chronic disease and must be addressed urgently.
He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump intended to spearhead international efforts against ultra-processed foods and the illnesses linked to them.“Ultra-processed food is driving chronic disease,” Kennedy said, pointing to his domestic campaign pushing for clearer labeling, stricter oversight, and the removal of additives such as synthetic dyes.In addition, Kennedy targeted the World Health Organization (WHO), insisting it could not claim global leadership without undergoing fundamental reform. Trump, he reminded, had already signed an executive order in January to begin the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO.The U.N. has yet to comment on the U.S. decision to oppose the declaration.