Mexico Launches Global Hub for Health and Food Policy Innovation to Combat Chronic Diseases

Mexico Takes a Bold Step in Global Health with New Food Policy Hub

Mexico City, Mexico — In a significant move to enhance global nutrition and health policy, Mexico has announced the establishment of the Global Hub for Health and Food Policy Innovation. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), aims to support regions in Africa and Asia in their efforts to combat chronic diseases.

Eduardo Lazcano, Director General of INSP, highlighted Mexico’s extensive history in nutrition research, which has positioned the country as a leader in evidence-based public health interventions. “Our work over the past two decades has been instrumental in addressing obesity and overweight issues in Mexico,” he stated, referencing the contributions of the Center for Research in Nutrition and Health (CINyS).

CINyS has played a pivotal role in quantifying the obesity epidemic in Mexico, influencing regulatory proposals on food marketing, and advocating for front-of-pack warning labels. The center’s efforts have also promoted breastfeeding and physical activity as essential public health priorities. As a testament to its achievements, CINyS-INSP is set to become a World Health Organization Collaborating Center focused on population nutrition and chronic disease prevention.

Simón Barquera, Director of CINyS, elaborated on the Global Hub, describing it as a platform that will connect Mexican expertise with research networks and policymakers across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. “This initiative formalizes INSP’s leadership in capacity building, evidence generation, and technical guidance for governments and international organizations tackling diet-related diseases,” he said.

The launch event also featured a seminar that brought together researchers from five continents under the INFORMAS network, which studies food environments and their health implications. Barquera noted that this collaboration reflects a growing international momentum to understand the impact of food systems on chronic disease trends.

Lina Pohl, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Mexico, praised INSP as a vital hub for scientific analysis and policy development aimed at transforming food systems.

During the event, officials unveiled a plaque commemorating the 2025 award from the UN Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, recognizing Mexico and INSP for their efforts in enhancing food environments and advancing chronic disease prevention.

Chronic non-communicable diseases are now the leading cause of death in Mexico, mirroring a global trend that claims 41 million lives annually. Obesity, a significant risk factor for hypertension and diabetes, remains a pressing public health concern. The percentage of obese adults in Mexico has risen from 35.30% in 2018 to 36.90% in 2022, underscoring the need for ongoing intervention.

“The implications of excessive calorie consumption are profound, leading to obesity and its strong links to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes,” warned Eduardo Orozco, CEO of alohome.

As Mexico steps onto the global stage with this new initiative, the hope is that its expertise will not only benefit its own population but also provide valuable support to nations grappling with similar health challenges.