Purnima Menon was interviewed by Devex for this article on the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization’s highest decision-making body will consider resolutions that would extend a plan for maternal and child nutrition, and restrict digital marketing of breast milk substitutes.
While nutrition isn’t a specific agenda item, it cuts across all themes at WHA, Menon said. For example, nutrition is jeopardized during health emergencies, exacerbating health conditions; it is vital for good health and well-being, and it can’t be achieved without universal health coverage, according to WHO. Further investment in nutrition can prevent illness, reduce costs on health systems, and ensure productivity.
“How to get nutrition and healthy diets to be central to some of the discussions and resolutions is going to remain a long-range, urgent advocacy agenda,” Menon added.
The article noted that Latin American countries may also highlight the issue of marketing ultra-processed foods. Several have mandated the use of warning labels on foods high in sodium or sugar as a means of tackling noncommunicable diseases such as obesity.
“I didn’t see that on the agenda this year, but I know there will be people from Mexico at the Assembly, and this is a topic that they will continue to push on because it has such serious health implications,” Menon said, adding that an endorsement from WHO would send a message.
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