Background Nutrition-related health issues remain a significant public health challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where rapid transformations in food systems have contributed to increasing obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Government policies are key to shaping healthier food environments, but their implementation and evaluation vary widely across countries. This study aimed to identify national-level public policies that promote healthy food environments in the LAC region and to outline priority areas for research to strengthen their implementation, from the perspectives of researchers and advocates. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2024, combining a bibliographic review and an online survey. The review compiled national laws, regulations, and policy documents from multiple databases, official government websites, and reports from international organizations. A structured, country-adapted questionnaire was administered to members of the Community of Practice in Nutrition and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean (COLANSA). Participants were asked to revise the list of policies in place in their countries, as identified by the review, and prioritize up to five policies requiring further research. They were also asked to specify the types of studies needed. Results The review identified 130 relevant documents. Seventy-three participants from 17 countries completed the survey, most of whom were affiliated with academic or civil society institutions. According to the review, all countries had legislation related to ingredient and nutrient declaration in labels, food-based dietary guidelines, and at least a regulation that influences school food environments. Measures such as fiscal incentives for sustainable agriculture, subsidies for healthy foods, and mechanisms to prevent industry interference were less commonly in place. The restriction of food advertising to children and adolescents, the policies to reduce inequalities and protect vulnerable populations, and the promotion of healthy foods were the most frequently identified priorities for further research. Study types that were more frequently suggested included analyses of implementation barriers, industry interference, policy impact evaluation, and stakeholder mapping. Conclusions This study identified food environment policies across LAC and research needs. The respondents emphasized the need for research to assess policy implementation, monitor impact, and address barriers such as industry interference. Strengthening regional collaboration and applied research capacities may contribute to generating actionable evidence for more effective and equitable food policies in the region.
Integrating a gender perspective into food system policies is essential to ensure equity, effectiveness, and sustainability. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the incorporation of a gender perspective into research and policy advocacy remains limited and understudied. This study aimed to assess the incorporation of a gender perspective in research and advocacy publications on two priority food system policies in LAC: front-of-package food labeling and restrictions on advertising directed at children, and to compile expert-based considerations to strengthen the integration of a gender perspective in these areas. A mixed-method study was conducted. First, a literature review was carried out on publications related to front-of-package food labeling policies and advertising directed at children in LAC. The Gender Sensitivity Assessment Tool for Research and Policy Advocacy Projects was then applied to assess the incorporation of a gender perspective in these documents. Documents were classified as either incorporating or not incorporating a gender perspective. Subsequently, a consultation meeting was conducted with experts in gender, nutrition, food systems, public health, and social sciences to identify recommendations for strengthening gender integration in food policy research and advocacy. A total of 154 documents on front-of-package labeling and 115 on marketing to children were identified. For front-of-package labeling, 64.3
Digital health transformation (DHT) policies can improve the performance of health systems. However, there are few empirical studies on how these policies are implemented in practice. This article examines four national cases of implementing DHT policies in the Latin American region. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on 32 semi-structured interviews and a multiple case study approach in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico—selected for their diversity in governance structures and different stages of digital health transformation. It uses in-depth context-specific qualitative analysis to identify key factors in DHT policy implementation. The study shows that the interaction of policy objectives, technical and financial conditions, organizational and political dynamics, and implementation capacities was relevant for DHT implementation. Clear definitions of problems, coherent and context-sensitive implementation strategies, strong multisectoral teams, sustained leadership, capacity-building efforts, and robust governance frameworks all played critical roles in promoting implementation. The results suggest that effective DHT implementation depends not only on technical aspects of the policy but also on the coherence and institutional adoption of clear policy objectives in different contexts. The study shows how DHT implementation should be viewed as a strategic means to improve health system performance—rather than an end in itself.
Marine biodiversity is adversely affected by many human activities and their pressures. As such, there is the need for a cause-consequence-response method to objectively address the risks associated with those adverse changes. Such a method is the ISO-accredited Bow-tie technique as an objective and structured approach giving the causes, preventative control measures, mitigation and compensation measures and consequences of changes to biodiversity. Here, the Bow-tie method underpinned by the cause-consequence-response DAPSI(W)R(M) framework was used and adapted to help managers map out risks to biodiversity requiring management of the human activities and their relevant pressures, in specific case study areas (termed Broad Belt Transects, BBTs). Instead of using restrictive proprietary software, a more-flexible template framework was developed in Microsoft PowerPoint to allow a broad user base. This employed standardised lists of elements (and further adapted during the application process) allowing the development of unique, but standardised and directly comparable Bow-ties for all BBTs. The methods of developing the template and standardised lists are described together with the techniques used to help quantify this usually qualitative approach. The successful application of the Bow-tie method in case studies from the European seas shows the adaptability of this approach in ways wider than the original policy-driven risk-assessment use. Although designed for European seas, the approach and standardised lists are sufficiently generic for adoption in wider areas worldwide.
