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Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Researchers from an international collaboration launched a groundbreaking project today aimed at understanding how commercial actors influence population health across Sub-Saharan Africa. Led by Professor Jeff Collin, the project will investigate the complex ways commercial practices impact health, focusing on three key industries: ultra-processed food, alcohol, and fossil fuels.
The research highlights a startling statistic: four commercial products are responsible for approximately 19 million global deaths annually. The project seeks to generate innovative, interdisciplinary research that can inform policy-making and promote sustainable development.
Key objectives include mapping health impacts, developing economic models to regulate commodity industries, and enhancing health governance by managing potential conflicts of interest. The team emphasizes their approach is not anti-business, but rather seeks to create appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Professor Francis Zotor, a public health nutrition expert, delivered a passionate call to action, highlighting the devastating impact of alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods on the nation's health.
Key findings from the 2023 Ghana WHO STEPS survey reveal alarming statistics: 20% of the population consumes alcohol, while over 70% fail to consume recommended portions of fruits and vegetables. NCDs now account for 40% of deaths in Ghana, with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer rapidly increasing.
The research project, funded by National Institute of Health and Care research, aims to explore how commercial actors influence health systems and population health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Daniel Boateng, Washington emphasized that the initiative is "not anti-business, but pro-health, pro-transparency, and pro-equity."
Experts stressed the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration, including policy changes, civil society advocacy, and international support to combat the aggressive marketing strategies of unhealthy commodity industries.
Notably, the project will prioritize research in low-income countries, addressing a significant gap in existing studies that have predominantly focused on high-income regions. By working closely with local civil society organizations and government agencies, the researchers aim to generate evidence that can directly inform national and regional health strategies.
The project is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research in the United Kingdom and involves partners from universities and research centers in Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya.