Global Health Advocacy Project

What is the GHAP?

The Global Health Advocacy Project (GHAP) is a food policy programme that supports a healthy Jamaican population by reducing obesity through public and policymaker awareness around healthy eating and related policy change. The project supports government and civil society actions to raise awareness among the public and policymakers of the health impact of overconsumption of foods high in added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and salt/sodium, and policy priorities to reduce consumption. The GHAP benefits from committed collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica and between non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and medical organizations in Jamaica.

The main aims of the GHAP are to increase public support for obesity and NCD prevention policies through advocacy campaigns and build support of policymakers and key stakeholders to implement policy reforms to support health including Front-of-Package Warning Labelling (FOPWL), restriction of the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, a comprehensive school nutrition policy and a sugary drinks tax.

Research Updates

81% of Jamaicans Support a Tax on Sugary Drinks if Revenue Supports Childhood Obesity Prevention Programmes

Recognizing February as Heart Month, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) is launching a new phase of its ongoing obesity prevention media campaign on February 22. The campaign is calling for action to support the health of Jamaican children by way of supporting a sugary drinks tax, which can help reduce children and adult consumption … Continue reading 81% of Jamaicans Support a Tax on Sugary Drinks if Revenue Supports Childhood Obesity Prevention Programmes

Caribbean Moves towards taxing of sugar sweetened beverages

With skyrocketing rates of overweight and obesity facing Caribbean nations, policymakers are increasingly being challenged to find solutions for this public health emergency. This challenge was significantly responded to this year in January when the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) implemented guidelines to restrict the sale of sugary beverages in Jamaican schools. This bold move aimed … Continue reading Caribbean Moves towards taxing of sugar sweetened beverages

How the “Are We Drinking Ourselves Sick?” Communication Campaign Built Support for Policy Action on Sugary Drinks in Jamaica

Abstract: Background: This study assesses the effectiveness of a campaign “Are We Drinking Ourselves Sick?” that ran nationally in Jamaica in four phases from 2017 to 2019 to increase knowledge about the harms of sugary drinks, shift attitudes, and build support for policy actions to address sugary drink consumption, including a tax and a ban … Continue reading How the “Are We Drinking Ourselves Sick?” Communication Campaign Built Support for Policy Action on Sugary Drinks in Jamaica

Press Articles

COVID-19 And Cardiovascular Diseases

The dramatic global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created severe human, social and economic disruption across all continents and devastation of some healthcare systems. This is related not only to the rapid spread and highly transmissible nature of the virus, but also to the serious impacts the disease has on vulnerable populations. While … Continue reading COVID-19 And Cardiovascular Diseases

Nutrition: A Key Weapon In The Fight Against COVID-19

Since the spread of the COVID-19 global pandemic, health professionals, government officials, and health organisations worldwide have been imploring people to take precautionary measures to guard against the risks of the deadly virus. People with underlying health conditions, the elderly, and the immunocompromised appear most susceptible. In the context of nutrition, Jamaicans were already facing … Continue reading Nutrition: A Key Weapon In The Fight Against COVID-19

Effects Of COVID-19 On Jamaican Diet

Food remains a necessity for the well-being and survival of our population, and the Jamaican agri-food sector and all its stakeholders have automatically assumed the spotlight since COVID-19. More people are eating home-prepared meals, as physical distancing and cost-cutting measures have made dining out and restaurant-prepared foods a distant memory for many. Also, consumer grocery … Continue reading Effects Of COVID-19 On Jamaican Diet

What’s in Our Food? – Addressing Obesity Prevention Through Front-Of-Package Labelling

Your doctor has advised you to reduce your sugar consumption. You are told to cut down on your saturated fat intake, too. Not to mention completely avoiding something called trans fats. Unsure of what you should do, you phone a nutritionist friend, who provides some advice for reading the labels on packaged foods. Nevertheless, your … Continue reading What’s in Our Food? – Addressing Obesity Prevention Through Front-Of-Package Labelling

Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security in Jamaica

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant threat to the food and nutrition security of millions globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s … Continue reading Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security in Jamaica