A widely supported United Nations declaration on noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, failed to reach its expected approval by consensus on Thursday when the United States said it would reject the measure.
The impasse means the document — seen as critical for spurring global action on NCDs and mental health — will now face a vote in the full U.N. General Assembly in the coming weeks. There, it is widely expected to pass.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the meeting his country will not support the declaration despite its strong commitment to tackling NCDs.
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About the author
Rumbi Chakamba
Rumbi Chakamba is a Senior Editor at Devex based in Botswana, who has worked with regional and international publications including News Deeply, The Zambezian, Outriders Network, and Global Sisters Report. She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of South Africa.
