What is the impact of international organizations on nutrition transition?

International organisations significantly influence nutrition transition through policy-making, funding, and promoting nutritional education and research.

International organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) play a crucial role in shaping the nutrition transition globally. They do this through a variety of mechanisms, including policy-making, funding, and promoting nutritional education and research.

Policy-making is a significant way through which these organisations impact nutrition transition. They develop and implement policies aimed at improving nutrition and health outcomes. For instance, the WHO's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health provides a framework for policy action to address unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, which are key risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes. These policies can influence the types of foods that are produced and consumed, thereby affecting the nutrition transition.

Funding is another critical aspect of how international organisations influence nutrition transition. These organisations provide financial resources to support national and local initiatives aimed at improving nutrition. For example, the FAO provides funding for projects that promote sustainable agriculture and food security, which can contribute to healthier diets and a positive nutrition transition. Similarly, UNICEF funds programmes that aim to improve child nutrition, particularly in low-income countries where malnutrition is a significant concern.

Promotion of nutritional education and research is another way these organisations impact the nutrition transition. They conduct and support research on nutrition and health, and use this evidence to inform policy and practice. They also develop educational materials and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. For instance, the WHO's '5 a day' campaign encourages people to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, which can help to prevent chronic diseases and support a healthy nutrition transition.

In conclusion, international organisations play a vital role in the nutrition transition through their work in policy-making, funding, and promoting nutritional education and research. Their efforts can influence the types of foods that are produced and consumed, the availability of resources for nutrition initiatives, and public awareness and understanding of nutrition and health.