Nutrition for Growth 2025 scientific conference: towards global solutions to malnutrition and NCDs

On March 26, 2025, as part of the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit, a scientific conference co-organized by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and its partners was held in Paris. The final session, proposed by Santé Diabète and the World Diabetes Foundation and devoted to the issues of malnutrition, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), explored the complex links between food, public health and regulatory policies.

An alarming fact: the double burden of malnutrition

By way of introduction, Dr Malek Batal (Université de Montréal) reminded us that most low- and middle-income countries face a double burden of malnutrition, combining under-nutrition and obesity. The cause is an agri-food system maintained by a majority of brands controlled by a few multinationals. At the same time, the cost of a healthy diet continues to rise, affecting all income categories. Faced with these challenges, theagroecology appears to be a solution for reconciling sustainable food production and public health, as illustrated by a study in Ecuador demonstrating the benefits of agroecological networks on women's dietary diversification.

The Cameroon experience: an early approach to educating young people

Dr Eugene Sobngwi (Cameroon Ministry of Health) presented an innovative nutrition education program for teenagers. A national survey revealed that 76% of students consume sugary drinks every day, and 59% do not eat breakfast. The program, supported by the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), was developed in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Secondary Education. It includes teaching materials in French and English, a mobile nutrition information application and an online training platform for school vendors. Advocacy efforts are underway to extend the program to pregnant women and municipalities.

The Nutri-Score: a constantly evolving public health tool

Professor Mathilde Touvier (Inserm/INRAE) presented the history of the Nutri-Score, simplified nutrition labelling developed in France in 2017 and adopted by six other European countries. Based on a rigorous scientific algorithm, validated by over 150 studies, this system aims to inform consumers and encourage manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their products. However, its compulsory adoption across Europe is encountering resistance from industry. Future developments plan to include an indication of the degree of food processing, and to extend its application to mass catering and bulk products.

Mexico's sugar tax: a model for reducing consumption of sweet products

Dr Simón Barquera (Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública) detailed the impact of tax on sweetened beverages introduced in Mexico in 2014. Initially controversial, the tax led to a 9.7% reduction in soda purchases in 2015. It has also prompted the industry to reformulate its products, reducing the sugar content of drinks. In 2020, nutritional warning labels were introduced to reinforce regulation. Recent studies indicate a reduction in triglyceride levels among Mexican adults, illustrating the effectiveness of tax policies in public health.

Japan's nutritional policies: a model of education and longevity

Dr. Marika Nomura, from Japan, pointed out that Japan has the longest life expectancy, with 81 years for men and 87 years for women in 2023. The country also boasts the lowest prevalence of obesity. As far as nutritional policies are concerned, there are no taxes on sweet or salty foods, no marketing restrictions or warning labels. The Japanese government favors an approach based on individual intervention and education. Nutrition education is enshrined in law and implemented in all settings, including kindergarten. Children choose what they eat themselves, with menus based on national nutrition recommendations.

Towards a systemic approach to food and nutrition policies

Speeches at this session underlined the need for a comprehensive approach to combating malnutrition and NCDs. While individual initiatives, such as nutrition education, are essential, they must be accompanied by structural reforms, such as regulating the food market, taxing harmful products and promoting sustainable food systems. The debates highlighted the importance of combining targeted actions with ambitious political measures to sustainably transform the food environment and improve public health on a global scale.

Watch the replay of the conference