Pressure from Industry Groups Hinders Governments’ Health Policies
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the intense lobbying efforts by tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food industries are preventing governments from implementing life-saving health policies, as reported on Thursday.
WHO’s Focus on Non-Communicable Diseases
During the annual meeting of the United Nations in New York, which will take place next Thursday, the UN will focus on combating non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. The WHO, the UN’s health agency, asserts that these products contribute to such afflictions.
WHO’s Recommendations for Investing in Health
In a separate report, the WHO concluded that investing $3 per person in non-communicable diseases could save over 12 million lives and generate $1 trillion in savings by 2030.
However, the WHO’s statement highlights that governments often face intense pressure from industries attempting to obstruct, weaken, or delay policies ranging from health taxes to restrictions on marketing to children.
Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Determinants of Health, Promotion and Protection, stated: “It is unacceptable that commercial interests benefit from increased deaths and diseases.”
Industry Representatives Respond to WHO’s Claims
Representatives from the food, tobacco, and alcohol industries rejected these claims and told Reuters that they welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the debate on reducing harm and emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue.
At the UN meeting, governments aim to agree on new goals for non-communicable diseases and a roadmap for achieving them. However, health groups have warned that the draft political declaration has already been watered down.
Tobacco companies like Japan Tobacco International, along with food and beverage industry associations, told Reuters that the UN encourages industry participation, which can lead to more effective policies.
Justin Kissinger, President of the World Brewing Alliance, stated via email: “We have welcomed the opportunity to join member states and advocates in sharing our perspective on reducing harmful alcohol use.”
The International Alliance of Food and Beverages disputed the comparison between food and tobacco/alcohol, stating that it is inaccurate.
Rocco Renaldi, General Secretary of the industrial alliance (representing non-alcoholic food and beverage companies), added: “We strongly disagree with the portrayal of our sector as an obstacle to progress.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue addressed by the WHO? The WHO is concerned that tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food industries are hindering governments from implementing health policies that could save lives.
- What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) focused on by the UN? NCDs include cancer and cardiovascular conditions, which are being addressed during the UN’s annual meeting.
- What does the WHO recommend regarding investments in health? The WHO suggests that every $3 invested in non-communicable diseases could save over 12 million lives and generate $1 trillion in savings by 2030.
- How did industry representatives respond to the WHO’s claims? Industry representatives from food, tobacco, and alcohol sectors rejected the WHO’s claims but welcomed the opportunity to contribute to discussions on reducing harm.
- What are governments aiming to achieve at the UN meeting? Governments aim to agree on new goals for non-communicable diseases and a roadmap for achieving them.
- What is the concern regarding the draft political declaration? Health groups have warned that the draft political declaration has already been watered down.
