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Uneke CJ, Okedo-Alex IN, Akamike IC, Uneke BI, Eze II, Chukwu OE, Otubo KI, Urochukwu HC. Institutional roles, structures, funding and research partnerships towards evidence-informed policy-making: a multisector survey among policy-makers in Nigeria. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:36. [PMID: 37237324 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-00971-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-informed policy-making aims to ensure that the best and most relevant evidence is systematically generated and used for policy-making. The aim of this study was to assess institutional structures, funding, policy-maker perspectives on researcher-policy-maker interactions and the use of research evidence in policy-making in five states in Nigeria. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 209 participants from two geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Study participants included programme officers/secretaries, managers/department/facility heads and state coordinators/directors/presidents/chairpersons in various ministries and the National Assembly. A pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale was used to collect information on institutional structures for policy and policy-making in participants' organizations, the use of research evidence in policy and policy-making processes, and the status of funding for policy-relevant research in the participants' organizations. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS The majority of the respondents were older than 45 years (73.2%), were male (63.2) and had spent 5 years or less (74.6%) in their present position. The majority of the respondents' organizations had a policy in place on research involving all key stakeholders (63.6%), integration of stakeholders' views within the policy on research (58.9%) and a forum to coordinate the setting of research priorities (61.2%). A high mean score of 3.26 was found for the use of routine data generated from within the participants' organizations. Funding for policy-relevant research was captured in the budget (mean = 3.47) but was inadequate (mean = 2.53) and mostly donor-driven (mean = 3.64). Funding approval and release/access processes were also reported to be cumbersome, with mean scores of 3.74 and 3.89, respectively. The results showed that capacity existed among career policy-makers and the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics to advocate for internal funds (mean = 3.55) and to attract external funds such as grants (3.76) for policy-relevant research. Interaction as part of the priority-setting process (mean = 3.01) was the most highly rated form of policy-maker-researcher interaction, while long-term partnerships with researchers (mean = 2.61) had the lower mean score. The agreement that involving policy-makers in the planning and execution of programmes could enhance the evidence-to-policy process had the highest score (mean = 4.40). CONCLUSION The study revealed that although institutional structures such as institutional policies, fora and stakeholder engagement existed in the organizations studied, there was suboptimal use of evidence obtained from research initiated by both internal and external researchers. Organizations surveyed had budget lines for research, but this funding was depicted as inadequate. There was suboptimal actual participation of policy-makers in the co-creation, production and dissemination of evidence. The implementation of contextually relevant and sustained mutual institutional policy-maker-researcher engagement approaches is needed to promote evidence-informed policy-making. Thus there is a need for institutional prioritization and commitment to research evidence generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozie Jesse Uneke
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria.
| | - Ijeoma Nkem Okedo-Alex
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ifeyinwa Chizoba Akamike
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Bilikis Iyabo Uneke
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Irene Ifeyinwa Eze
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Onyekachi Echefu Chukwu
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Igboji Otubo
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Henry C Urochukwu
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria
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Patay D, Schram A, Friel S. The challenges in protecting public health interests in multisectoral governance in the context of small island developing states: the case of tobacco control in Fiji and Vanuatu. Global Health 2023; 19:31. [PMID: 37118741 PMCID: PMC10142426 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00931-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) drive the rise of NCDs globally, and their regulation requires multisectoral governance. Despite existing recommendations to strengthen institutional structures, protecting public health interests can be challenging amidst industry interference and conflicting policy priorities, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the need for rapid economic development is pronounced. Small island developing states (SIDS) face even more challenges in regulating CDoH because their unique socioeconomic, political, and geographic vulnerabilities may weaken institutional conditions that could aid health sector actors in protecting health interests. This study aims to explore the institutional conditions that shape health sector actors' capability to protect public health interests in tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. METHODS We employed a qualitative, exploratory case study design. We applied the administrative process theory to inform data collection and analysis. Seventy interviews were completed in Fiji and Vanuatu from 2018 to 2019. RESULTS The findings show that the protection of health interests in tobacco governance were not supported by the institutional conditions in Fiji and Vanuatu. While the policy processes formally ensured a level playing field between actors, policies were often developed through informal mechanisms, and the safeguards to protect public interests from vested private interests were not implemented adequately. SIDS vulnerabilities and weak regulation of political parties contributed to the politicisation of government in both states, resulting in high-level government officials' questionable commitment to protect public health interests. The system of checks and balances usually embedded into democratic governments appeared to be muted, and policymakers had limited bureaucratic autonomy to elevate health interests in multisectoral policymaking amidst high-level government officials' frequent rotation. Finally, capacity constraints aggravated by SIDS vulnerabilities negatively impacted health sector actors' capability to analyse policy alternatives. CONCLUSIONS Health sector actors in Fiji and Vanuatu were not supported by institutional conditions that could help them protect public health interests in multisectoral governance to regulate CDoH originating from the tobacco industry. Institutional conditions in these states were shaped by SIDS vulnerabilities but could be improved by targeted capacity building, governance and political system strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori Patay
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economy, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Ashley Schram
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sharon Friel
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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The role of causal ideas in the governance of commercial determinants of health. A qualitative study of tobacco control in the pacific. Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115481. [PMID: 36335703 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed foods and beverages drives the global noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis in Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS). Addressing the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) requires policy coherence across government sectors; however, entrenched neoliberal ideologies that exhort self-regulation of markets and market actors impede such efforts. This paper aims to explore the roles ideas play in governing CDoH, through the analysis of causal ideas in multisectoral tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. An explorative, qualitative case study design was applied. Data collection relied primarily on in-depth interviews, of which 70 were conducted between 2018 and 2019. Data analysis was guided by a theory-informed analytical framework. Two causal ideas influence multisectoral tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. According to the idea of individual responsibility, high smoking prevalence is the consequence of individuals' unhealthy lifestyle choices; it nominates the Ministry of Health as the responsible actor to solve this issue by providing health education. In contrast, the idea of CDoH argues that harmful commodity industries drive the NCD epidemic, and the sectors that regulate these private actors should be kept in closer check to ensure that their policies are aligned with the objectives of public health. In Fiji and Vanuatu, the non-health government agencies are effectively excused from implementing multisectoral tobacco policies because the dominant idea of individual responsibility relieves them of any responsibility. The wider adoption of the idea of CDoH is needed in PSIDS to tackle the NCD crisis.
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Patay D, Trieu K, McKenzie B, Ramanathan S, Hure A, Bell C, Thow AM, Allender S, Reeve E, Palu A, Woodward M, Waqa G, Webster J. Research protocol for impact assessment of a project to scale up food policies in the Pacific. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:117. [PMID: 36309749 PMCID: PMC9617745 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the challenges for countries implementing food policy measures has been the difficulty in demonstrating impact and retaining stakeholder support. Consequently, research funded to help countries overcome these challenges should assess impact and translation into practice, particularly in low-resource settings. However, there are still few attempts to prospectively, and comprehensively, assess research impact. This protocol describes a study co-created with project implementers, collaborative investigators and key stakeholders to optimize and monitor the impact of a research project on scaling up food policies in Fiji. Methods To develop this protocol, our team of researchers prospectively applied the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT). Activities included (i) developing a logic model to map the pathway to impact and establish domains of benefit; (ii) identifying process and impact indicators for each of these domains; (iii) identifying relevant data for impact indicators and a cost–consequence analysis; and (iv) establishing a process for collecting quantitative and qualitative data to measure progress. Impact assessment data will be collected between September 2022 and December 2024, through reports, routine monitoring activities, group discussions and semi-structured interviews with key implementers and stakeholders. The prospective application of the protocol, and interim and final research impact assessments of each project stream and the project as a whole, will optimize and enable robust measurement of research impact. Discussion By applying this protocol, we aim to increase understanding of pathways to impact and processes that need to be put in place to achieve this. This impact evaluation will inform future projects with a similar scope and will identify transferable and/or translatable lessons for other Pacific Island states and low- and middle-income countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12961-022-00927-x.
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Mounsey S, Waqa G, McKenzie B, Reeve E, Webster J, Bell C, Thow AM. Strengthening implementation of diet-related non-communicable disease prevention strategies in Fiji: a qualitative policy landscape analysis. Global Health 2022; 18:79. [PMID: 36050736 PMCID: PMC9434519 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a comprehensive policy package for their prevention and control. However, implementing robust, best-practice policies remains a global challenge. In Fiji, despite political commitment to reducing the health and economic costs of NCDs, prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease remain the highest in the region. The objective of this study was to describe the political and policy context for preventing diet-related NCDs in Fiji and policy alignment with WHO recommendations and global targets. We used a case study methodology and conducted (1) semi-structured key informant interviews with stakeholders relevant to diet-related NCD policy in Fiji (n = 18), (2) documentary policy analysis using policy theoretical frameworks (n = 11), (3) documentary stakeholder analysis (n = 7), and (4) corporate political activity analysis of Fiji’s food and beverage industry (n = 12). Data were sourced through publicly available documents on government websites, internet searches and via in-country colleagues and analysed thematically. Results Opportunities to strengthen and scale-up NCD policies in Fiji in line with WHO recommendations included (1) strengthening multisectoral policy engagement, (2) ensuring a nutrition- and health-in-all policy approach, (3) using a whole-of-society approach to tighten political action across sectors, and (4) identifying and countering food industry influence. Conclusion Diet-related NCD policy in Fiji will be strengthened with clearly defined partner roles, responsibilities and accountability mechanisms, clear budget allocation and strong institutional governance structures that can support and counter industry influence. Such initiatives will be needed to reduce the NCD burden in Fiji. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12992-022-00859-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mounsey
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, City Road, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Gade Waqa
- Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Briar McKenzie
- The George Institute, City Road, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute, City Road, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- School of Medicine and Global Obesity Centre, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, City Road, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Patay D, Schram A, Collin J, Sell S, Friel S. Authority in tobacco control in Pacific Small Island Developing States: a qualitative study of multisectoral tobacco governance in Fiji and Vanuatu. Tob Control 2022:tobaccocontrol-2022-057404. [PMID: 35882520 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Small Island Developing States (SIDS) struggle with implementing multisectoral tobacco control measures, and health sector actors often lack capacity to forge multisectoral commitment. This study aims to explore the sources and dynamics of authority that can enable multisectoral collaboration despite the divergence of policy agendas in tobacco control. METHODS We applied a qualitative, explorative case study design, with data collection and analysis guided by an analytical framework that identifies sources and dynamics of authority. Seventy interviews were conducted in Fiji and Vanuatu between 2018 and 2019. RESULTS The key features shaping multisectoral coordination for tobacco control in Fiji and Vanuatu are the expert, institutional, capacity-based and legal authority that state and non-state actors have in tobacco governance. The amount of authority actors can secure from these sources was shown to be influenced by their performance (perceived or real), the discourse around tobacco control, the existing legal tools and their strategic alliances. SIDS vulnerabilities, arising from small size, isolation and developing economies, facilitate an economic growth discourse that reduces health sector actors' authority and empowers protobacco actors to drive tobacco governance. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the need for terms of engagement with the tobacco industry to enable governments to implement multisectoral tobacco control measures. Expanding assistance on tobacco control among government and civil society actors and increasing messaging about the impact of economic, trade and agricultural practices on health are essential to help SIDS implement the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori Patay
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global Governance, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Public Health Advocacy and Policy Impact team, Food Policy Division, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashley Schram
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global Governance, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jeff Collin
- Global Health Policy Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susan Sell
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global Governance, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Sharon Friel
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global Governance, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Mounsey S, Vaka AK, Cama T, Waqa G, McKenzie B, Thow AM. Strengthening Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention: A Comparative Political Economy Analysis Case Study of Fiji and Tonga. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061212. [PMID: 35334867 PMCID: PMC8949109 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet-related fiscal policy is an effective NCD prevention strategy. However, current sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes in Fiji and Tonga have not had the desired effect; SSB consumption in Fiji, for example, contributes to mortality more than double the global rates and is highest in the WHO Western Pacific Region. We therefore aimed to better understand the perceived underlying political economy drivers that have and continue to affect change in each country. Our study design utilised a comparative case study that triangulated documentary policy and stakeholder analysis with semi-structured stakeholder interviews in both countries and an in-depth corporate political activity analysis in Fiji. We drew on theoretical frameworks relevant to political economy to collect and analyse policy and stakeholder data, and utilised established corporate political activity frameworks to analyse industry activity. Common findings to both Fiji and Tonga suggested that the SSB tax impact could be increased through multisectoral engagement, embracing a whole-of-society approach, strengthened institutional structures and leveraging off competing priorities across sectors towards more common goals. These findings provide opportunities and lessons for Fiji and Tonga as well as other similar settings seeking to strengthen or upscale the impact of diet-related fiscal policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mounsey
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-741-598-1365
| | - Aspasia Katrina Vaka
- Queen Salote Institute of Nursing and Allied Health, Ministry of Health, Vaiola Hospital, Nuku’alofa, Tonga; (A.K.V.); (T.C.)
| | - Tilema Cama
- Queen Salote Institute of Nursing and Allied Health, Ministry of Health, Vaiola Hospital, Nuku’alofa, Tonga; (A.K.V.); (T.C.)
| | - Gade Waqa
- Pacific Research Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (C-POND), Fiji National University, Tamavua Campus, Suva, Fiji;
| | - Briar McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia;
| | - Anne Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
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Webster J, Waqa G, Thow AM, Allender S, Lung T, Woodward M, Rogers K, Tukana I, Kama A, Wilson D, Mounsey S, Dodd R, Reeve E, McKenzie BL, Johnson C, Bell C. Scaling-up food policies in the Pacific Islands: protocol for policy engagement and mixed methods evaluation of intervention implementation. Nutr J 2022; 21:8. [PMID: 35105346 PMCID: PMC8807012 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Pacific Islands, and poor diets are a major contributor. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis will likely further exacerbate the burden on food systems. Pacific Island leaders have adopted a range of food policies and regulations to improve diets. This includes taxes and regulations on compositional standards for salt and sugar in foods or school food policies. Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of such policies globally, there is a lack of local context-specific evidence about how to implement them effectively in the Pacific. METHODS Our 5-year collaborative project will test the feasibility and effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce salt and sugar consumption in Fiji and Samoa, and examine factors that support sustained implementation. We will engage government agencies and civil society in Fiji and Samoa, to support the design, implementation and monitoring of evidence-informed interventions. Specific objectives are to: (1) conduct policy landscape analysis to understand potential opportunities and challenges to strengthen policies for prevention of diet-related NCDs in Fiji and Samoa; (2) conduct repeat cross sectional surveys to measure dietary intake, food sources and diet-related biomarkers; (3) use Systems Thinking in Community Knowledge Exchange (STICKE) to strengthen implementation of policies to reduce salt and sugar consumption; (4) evaluate the impact, process and cost effectiveness of implementing these policies. Quantitative and qualitative data on outcomes and process will be analysed to assess impact and support scale-up of future interventions. DISCUSSION The project will provide new evidence to support policy making, as well as developing a low-cost, high-tech, sustainable, scalable system for monitoring food consumption, the food supply and health-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Webster
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia.
| | - Gade Waqa
- Pacific Research Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Anne-Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Lung
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia
| | - Mark Woodward
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kris Rogers
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia
| | | | - Ateca Kama
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Donald Wilson
- Pacific Research Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Sarah Mounsey
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Dodd
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia
| | - Erica Reeve
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Briar Louise McKenzie
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia
| | - Claire Johnson
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2046, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Doshmangir L, Yazdizadeh B, Sajadi HS, Mohtasham F, Majdzadeh R. What is going on in the future for evidence-informed health policymaking in Iran? J Evid Based Med 2021; 14:285-290. [PMID: 34904390 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Doshmangir
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management, School of Management & Medical Informatics, and Social Determinants of Health Services Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Yazdizadeh
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Sadat Sajadi
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, University Research & Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Mohtasham
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Majdzadeh
- Community-Based Participatory Research Center, Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Vogliano C, Murray L, Coad J, Wham C, Maelaua J, Kafa R, Burlingame B. Progress towards SDG 2: Zero hunger in melanesia – A state of data scoping review. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Cammock R, Tonumaipe'a D, Conn C, Sa'uLilo L, Tautolo ES, Nayar S. From individual behaviour strategies to sustainable food systems: Countering the obesity and non communicable diseases epidemic in New Zealand. Health Policy 2020; 125:229-238. [PMID: 33339620 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
New Zealand is currently facing an obesity and non communicable diseases (NCDs) epidemic. Recent studies have largely attributed these health issues to insufficient food and low-quality diets that cause micronutrient deficiencies. Improving healthy diets requires broader thinking and collaboration, particularly around maintaining sustainable food systems, which signifies a shift from individualistic/behavioural approaches in health promotion. This paper aims to extend solutions addressing increasing rates of obesity and diet-related NCDs in New Zealand while considering diet and human health in concurrence with sustainability. In particular, the three pillars of sustainability-economic, environmental, and social-will be considered, alongside application of a food systems approach to analysing the epidemic and policy developments in New Zealand. Given its proximity to smaller Pacific islands in the region, New Zealand is in a unique position to work multisectorally and be a leader in considering food system approaches to tackling obesity and NCDs in the Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radilaite Cammock
- Auckland University of Technology, 640 Great South Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Daysha Tonumaipe'a
- Auckland University of Technology, 640 Great South Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Cath Conn
- Auckland University of Technology, 640 Great South Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Losi Sa'uLilo
- Auckland University of Technology, 640 Great South Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - El-Shadan Tautolo
- Auckland University of Technology, 640 Great South Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Shoba Nayar
- No 3 Suryakiran Apartments, New No 35/Old No 15, 3rd Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai 600020, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Reeve E, Naseri T, Martyn T, Bollars C, Thow AM. Developing a context-specific nutrient profiling system for food policy in Samoa. Health Promot Int 2020; 34:e94-e105. [PMID: 30388231 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a transparent system for defining 'less healthy' foods to underpin effective policy to reduce noncommunicable diseases in Samoa, replacing a fatty-meat ban lifted for accession to the WTO. In the absence of nutrition survey data, we calculated nutrient availability using food acquisition data from Samoa's Household Income and Expenditure Surveys. Together with published literature and local food composition data, we identified foods and nutrients (i) consumed in amounts greater than those recommended for good health and (ii) with a demonstrated causal link to health conditions of concern. Nutrient thresholds were developed based on desired level of decrease per nutrient per person necessary to reduce population intake in line with specific targets. We found average energy and sodium consumption to be higher than recommended, and foods high in sugar and saturated fat being consumed in large amounts. We selected a threshold-based, category-specific model to provide straightforward policy administration and incentivise healthy production and import, and then applied and tested nutrient thresholds across 7 threshold groups. The validation process indicated that the development of a nutrient profiling system to identify less healthy food items in Samoa provided a stronger basis for local policymaking. This study contributes to global understanding of approaches to developing a robust and transparent basis for policies to improve diets in lower income countries, and is relevant to other settings with high rates of noncommunicable diseases and similar resource and data constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Reeve
- Global Obesity Centre, Centre for Population Health Research School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Take Naseri
- Office of the Director General, Ministry of Health Samoa, Motootua, Ifiifi Street, Apia, Samoa
| | - Tim Martyn
- Centre for Pacific Island Studies, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Caroline Bollars
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism/School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229, Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Level 2, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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McGonigle DF, Rota Nodari G, Phillips RL, Aynekulu E, Estrada-Carmona N, Jones SK, Koziell I, Luedeling E, Remans R, Shepherd K, Wiberg D, Whitney C, Zhang W. A Knowledge Brokering Framework for Integrated Landscape Management. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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The politics of food in the Pacific: coherence and tension in regional policies on nutrition, the food environment and non-communicable diseases. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:168-180. [PMID: 31511108 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study analysed evolving regional commitments on food policy in the Pacific. Our aim was to understand regional priorities and the context of policy development, to identify opportunities for progress. DESIGN We analysed documentation from a decade of regional meetings in order to map regional policy commitments relevant to healthy diets. We focused on agriculture, education, finance, health, and trade sectors, and Heads of State forums. Drawing on relevant political science methodologies, we looked at how these sectors 'frame' the drivers of and solutions to non-communicable diseases (NCD), their policy priorities, and identified areas of coherence and tension. SETTING The Pacific has among the highest rates of non-communicable diseases in the world, but also boasts an innovative and proactive response. Heads of State have declared NCD a 'crisis' and countries have committed to specific prevention activities set out in a regional 'Roadmap'. Yet, diet-related NCD risk-factors remain stubbornly high and many countries face challenges in establishing a healthy food environment. RESULTS Policies to improve food environments and prevent NCD are a stated priority across regional policy forums, with clear agreement on the need for a multi-sectoral response. However, we identified challenges in sustaining these priorities as political attention fluctuated. We found examples of inconsistencies and tension in sectoral responses to the NCD epidemic that may restrict implementation of the multi-sectoral action. CONCLUSION Understanding the priorities and positions underpinning sectoral responses can help drive a more coherent NCD response, and lessons from the Pacific are relevant to public health nutrition policy and practice globally.
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