CNCD Policy & Advocacy

Request for Proposals on Promising Agriculture & Food Policies and Innovations to Improve Health and Nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean

This RFP will fund three (3) research proposals that aim to show how existing or potential agriculture and food policies or technological innovations (e.g. biotechnology) can make a contribution to population health and diet with focus on obesity and non-communicable disease in Latin America and the Caribbean. Proposals that incorporate issues of agriculture sustainability, preservation of culinary traditions or promote collaboration between agriculture and public health professionals are particularly encouraged. The policies under scrutiny are expected to show potential or actual population impact on health/nutrition by way of modifying one or some of the following aspects: agriculture and trade policies, food security, food and nutrition policies and consumer behaviors (e.g. food-purchasing behavior and food consumption patterns). The deadline for the submission of proposal is 4 September 2009.

This fact sheet was distributed by PAHO when the Organization was invited to participate in a panel briefing convened by the US Congressional Global Health Caucus and Medtronic on "Chronic Disease in Emerging Countries" at Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, on 13 July 2009. The purpose of the event was to call attention to the growing and devastating impact, both social and economic, of such diseases.

This paper identifies, reviews, and examines legislation in English-speaking Caribbean countries and territories applicable to the prevention and control of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and the need to enact further legislation to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases. It also acknowledges the role played by PAHO and CARICOM in their efforts and commitment to fight these diseases. (Washington, DC, June 2010)