Health Secretary Kennedy rejects UN declaration on chronic diseases

The United States on Thursday rejected the United Nations declaration on chronic diseases, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming it included language that was objectionable to the Trump administration. 

The declaration, which is expected to be adopted sometime during the UN General Assembly session, details a roadmap for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and promotes mental health and wellbeing through 2030.

Kennedy said the declaration is misdirected and "exceeds the UN's proper role while ignoring the most pressing health issues," which is why the U.S. will object to the declaration. However, he said the U.S. will not stop working with other countries to find a real solution.

"The United States objects to the United Nations Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases," he said in a post on X. "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."

Kennedy called for world leaders to unite and combat the "scourge" of ultra-processed food, which he claimed was "driving chronic disease." 

The United States has already banned Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used on junk food in a dozen states. SNAP benefits are intended to help low-income residents cover the costs of groceries but have partly been used in the past on non-healthy items that experts believe have contributed to the rise in obesity and chronic diseases.

Kennedy said President Donald Trump wants to lead the global effort against junk and ultra-processed foods, and the medical issues that go with it, Reuters reported.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.