Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared on Thursday that the United States would not endorse a United Nations declaration focused on chronic diseases. He falsely asserted that the document promoted abortion and “radical gender ideology,” and furthermore, failed to address what he deemed “the most pressing health issues.”
Speaking at a UN assembly dedicated to preventing and managing chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, Mr. Kennedy did not specify which critical health concerns he believed the declaration overlooked.
Notably, the declaration’s actual text contains no references to reproductive rights or gender ideology. The term “gender” is used exclusively to highlight distinct health challenges globally affecting women.
Even with U.S. opposition, this significant declaration, outlining global health targets, is widely anticipated to be approved by most of the 193 UN member states.
This move follows a pattern set by President Trump, a consistent critic of the UN, who earlier this year directed the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization. His justification cited alleged mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and the WHO’s purported “failure to adopt urgently needed reforms.”
Public health advocates expressed confusion and dismay at Mr. Kennedy’s statements, which were also shared on social media. Many observed that the UN’s objectives for tackling noncommunicable diseases align closely with the Health Secretary’s own “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which emphasizes chronic illness, childhood obesity, and the impact of ultra-processed foods.
“The Health Secretary’s comments were disturbing, misleading, and filled with contradictions,” stated Paula Johns, executive director of ACT Health Promotion, a Brazilian advocacy group, shortly after Mr. Kennedy’s address. “He asserts that the U.S. desires international cooperation on chronic diseases, yet offers no path for such collaboration. Instead, he proposes the U.S. simply disengage from the UN.”
Despite some initial criticism that earlier recommendations were softened due to industry influence, the declaration generally enjoys broad support from global health specialists. These initial modifications included removing strong measures like high taxes and prominent warning labels aimed at reducing consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages. The final version notably omits any mention of sugary drinks.
Intriguingly, Mr. Kennedy’s portrayal of the pressing threat of chronic illness largely echoed the sentiments found within the UN declaration itself.
“Chronic disease prevalence has more than doubled within a single generation, leading to millions of children losing healthy years before adulthood,” Mr. Kennedy observed. He emphasized, “This health crisis knows no national boundaries.”
However, he asserted that the UN General Assembly had exceeded its authority, stating that the United States could not endorse the promotion of abortion and “gender ideology.”
“We uphold the biological reality of sex,” Mr. Kennedy stated, reiterating President Trump’s position: “Global bureaucrats have no right to infringe upon the sovereignty of nations committed to protecting innocent life.”
Requests for clarification from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding Mr. Kennedy’s controversial comments on abortion and gender ideology went unanswered.
Health experts cautioned that abandoning the UN health initiative would only exacerbate U.S. isolation on critical global health challenges. This follows the White House’s existing solitary stance against greenhouse gas emission reductions, a point clearly highlighted during recent international discussions on climate change.
“The U.S. appears to be attempting to obstruct this process, though we don’t anticipate their success,” remarked Alison Cox, policy director at the NCD Alliance, an advocacy organization. “This approach is exceptionally shortsighted and counterproductive in the midst of an urgent worldwide crisis.”
Ms. Cox highlighted that the declaration emerged from a meticulous, months-long negotiation involving civil society groups, health experts, and representatives from numerous member states. She concluded, “While not flawless, it remains a vital milestone for global health.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has consistently championed bold actions to combat noncommunicable diseases, which tragically account for 17 million premature deaths annually.
Recently, Dr. Tedros has been spearheading a distinct WHO initiative, urging nations to implement a 50% increase in taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages over the coming decade. He projects that these taxes could generate an estimated $1 trillion for governmental healthcare programs over ten years, potentially averting 50 million premature deaths over a 50-year span.
“Health’s origins extend beyond clinics and hospitals,” Dr. Tedros stated in his address preceding Mr. Kennedy’s. “It begins within our homes, schools, streets, and workplaces, shaped by the food we consume, the products we use, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the overall conditions of our lives and work.”