Nutrition

Healthy nutrition is critical in the prevention of diet-related risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, and associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Consumption of foods and beverages high in critical nutrients (salt/sodium, sugar, saturated fats and trans fats) has been associated with an increased risk of diet-related risk factors and associated NCDs, as well as all wasting, stunting and deficiency diseases.

Evidence has also demonstrated the importance of the proper practice of breastfeeding and complementary feeding and sustainable healthy food systems.

Through policies, legislation and strategies on healthy nutrition, malnutrition in all its forms can be prevented.

�� Response

�� provides leadership and technical cooperation to Member States on healthy nutrition, such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, front-of-package labelling, obesity prevention, salt reduction and elimination of trans-fatty acid.

�� promotes, generates and disseminates information on these key topics, evidence-based policies and interventions, and monitors trends.

AREAS OF WORK

BREASTFEEDING AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING

FRONT-OF-PACKAGE LABELING

HEALTH TAXES

HEALTHY DIET

VIRTUAL COURSES

Curso Mercadeo Social para la Salud Pública

Social Marketing and Public Health

The program consists on series of five consecutive self-learning virtual courses. Ocassionally a tutored modality will be available.

Courses:

This Program was developed with the support of AHA, the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, and the ��/WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Marketing of the University of South Florida (USF).

Highlights

�� Nutrient Profile Model

The �� Nutrient Profile Model is a tool to classify processed and ultra-processed food and drink products that are in excess of critical nutrients such as sugars, sodium, total fat, saturated fat and trans-fatty acids.

It defines when products are high in sugars, fats, saturated fats, trans fats and sodium and it is based on the WHO Population Nutrient Intake Goals which are adjusted according to the energy requirements, not a fixed amount per day.

Learn more

Joint Statement on Nutrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Latin America and the Caribbean - February 2021

The COVID-19 crisis poses a threat to all components of the food system, placing at risk the nutritional well-being of the populations of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The crisis threatens food availability and the physical and economic access to quality food, leading to higher consumption of ultra-processed or prepackaged products, and shifting consumption patterns towards less diversified diets. COVID-19 poses a higher risk in people with obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases. Additionally, access to nutrition-related services, including screening, treatment and counseling is also at risk in this crisis.

�� has joined with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) to issue a "Joint statement on nutrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic – Latin America and the Caribbean", calling upon all governments, civil society organizations, and the donor community to protect and prioritize the nutritional status of all individuals. The Statement sets out five core recommended actions.