SHAPE-Asia: Building a Regional Community of Practice to Unite Asian Nations for Healthier Food Systems and Policy Environments

Thematic Area: Agriculture & Food Security

Start Date: December 1, 2024

Rapid changes in food environments have been characterized by the increased availability of cheaper, energy-dense, and low-nutrient products, negatively impacting nutritional and health outcomes. The five Asian countries of focus (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Sri Lanka), all face significant challenges in regulating their food environment. Food marketing is still largely unregulated across different channels, including in food retail outlets, which contribute to the promotion of unhealthy food products. Balancing economic and public health interests requires a multifaceted and multisectoral approach to ensure commitment and participation in the call toward healthier food environments. This project is part of a cohort supporting diverse and multi-actor coalitions that take on a leadership role to influence policies and transform food systems at the country and regional levels in Central and South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This project aims to build a collaborative learning network SHAPE-Asia. with food environment stakeholders across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The goal is the generation of regionally-specific knowledge through shared learning to support double-duty food policy actions. SHAPE-Asia will provide an avenue for working with policymakers, government, media, and civic organisations to ensure that policies and strategies for transforming the food environment are inclusive and equitable.