US refuses to support UN health declaration on noncommunicable diseases

"We cannot accept language that pushes destructive gender ideology. Neither can we accept claims of a constitutional or international right to abortion. [The declaration] exceeds the UN's proper role while ignoring the most pressing health issues, and that's why the United States will reject it."

"The unity we saw today proves that most governments are ready to take the baton on NCDs, said Katie Dain, chief executive of the NCD Alliance."

"The declaration includes new targets to track and accelerate responses to NCDs such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, which cause 43 million deaths a year 75% of all deaths worldwide."

United States refused to support the fourth UN political declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health, preventing consensus and forcing a vote. The US rejection cited objections to language on gender and to claims of constitutional or international rights to abortion, and argued the declaration exceeded the UN's proper role while ignoring other pressing health issues. Most governments overwhelmingly backed the declaration and it is expected to be agreed in coming weeks. The declaration sets new targets to accelerate responses to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and integrates mental, oral, and renal health while urging access to affordable medicines. Commitments to harsher taxes on alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks were removed after industry lobbying, prompting criticism that prevention opportunities were missed.

Read at www.theguardian.com