Secretary Kennedy:
“The United States objects to the United Nations Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases.
We will walk away from the Declaration, but we will never walk away from the world—or our commitment to end chronic disease.
We stand ready to lead, to partner, and to innovate with every nation committed to a healthier future.”
The United States objects to the United Nations Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases.
We will walk away from the Declaration, but we will never walk away from the world—or our commitment to end chronic disease.
We stand ready to lead, to partner, and to innovate… pic.twitter.com/ZVu0bdO8pi
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) September 25, 2025
US objects to United Nations political declaration on non-communicable diseases, RFK Jr. says
Alison Cox was in the room on Thursday when U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the mic — and proceeded to throw a monkeywrench into the path of a highly-anticipated United Nations political declaration on non-communicable diseases.
RFK Jr. said the U.S. would “reject it.”
“It’s a massive disappointment to hear a government step away,” says Cox, the policy director for NCD Alliance, a global advocacy group.
The declaration that was being considered at the U.N. General Assembly in New York is the culmination of years of work – and five months of formal negotiations – by governments, health experts and members of civil society. It lays out a roadmap for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases — like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer — and promoting mental health.