During a Thursday session, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared, “The United States will withdraw from the declaration on noncommunicable diseases, yet our dedication to global health and ending chronic illnesses remains unwavering.”
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
On Thursday, Alison Cox witnessed a pivotal moment when U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage and unexpectedly disrupted the progress of a much-anticipated United Nations political declaration focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would formally reject the declaration.
“It is deeply disheartening to see a government retreat from such a critical commitment,” remarked Cox, who serves as the policy director for the NCD Alliance, an international advocacy organization.
The declaration under discussion at the U.N. General Assembly in New York represents the culmination of extensive collaboration-spanning several years and five months of formal negotiations-among governments, health experts, and civil society stakeholders. Its purpose is to establish a comprehensive framework for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, while also emphasizing mental health promotion.
In his address, RFK Jr. expressed his personal dedication to combating chronic illnesses but criticized the declaration, stating, “The United States will step away from this declaration, though our global commitment to ending chronic disease remains steadfast.”
He further argued that the declaration “oversteps the United Nations’ appropriate role and overlooks the most urgent health challenges,” though he did not specify which issues he referred to. The Department of Health and Human Services did not provide NPR with further clarification when asked.
Kennedy Jr. also mentioned concerns from the Trump administration regarding the promotion of “radical gender ideology” and abortion rights. However, the declaration itself does not address reproductive health or gender identity topics.
Instead, the document centers on the staggering toll of non-communicable diseases, which claim 43 million lives worldwide annually, including those from strokes and respiratory illnesses. Alarmingly, 18 million of these deaths occur before age 70, with over 80% of premature fatalities concentrated in low- and middle-income nations.
The declaration sets ambitious targets to be met by 2030, such as reducing tobacco use by 150 million people, enabling 150 million individuals to better manage hypertension, and expanding access to mental health services.
While some countries and advocates have raised concerns-pointing out, for example, the omission of sugary drinks despite their contribution to rising childhood obesity rates-the declaration has garnered widespread backing. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on Friday highlighting “overwhelming support from global leaders for the text.”
RFK Jr.’s dismissal of the declaration aligns with a broader pattern of skepticism from the Trump administration toward WHO and other U.N. bodies. Shortly after taking office, the administration initiated the process to withdraw the U.S. from WHO and restricted communication between U.S. health officials and the organization. Kennedy Jr. has also influenced global health policy by halting funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, citing “safety concerns” based on a controversial study.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, the declaration’s future remains intact.
Annalena Baerbock, President of the U.N. General Assembly, confirmed that the declaration will be presented for final approval by member states in October. Cox anticipates broad endorsement at that time.
“Ultimately, the majority of nations will proceed with their commitments and advance the necessary actions,” Cox stated. “There is a strong determination not to allow this setback to hinder the urgent progress required.”
