US refuses to back UN declaration on noncommunicable diseases

General assembly backs new targets on cancer, diabetes and heart disease but Robert F Kennedy Jr objects

A new vision for tackling the global noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) crisis has failed to reach consensus at the UN after the US refused to give its support, forcing member states to a vote.

After months of negotiations, the fourth political declaration on NCDs and mental health received overwhelming backing from governments at the UN general assembly on Thursday but was rejected by the US during a speech by Robert F Kennedy Jr, the health secretary.