Summary The paper examines Ecuador’s child malnutrition strategy instruments approved from 2020 to 2023 to understand how private interests are being incorporated into the public sector. It reveals that recent changes enable corporations to influence public policy, allocate resources, and set priorities in addressing child malnutrition. Corporate representatives are involved in advisory councils without accountability or transparency, while also accessing privileged government information. Moreover, a UN agency engaged in promoting highly processed foods, highlighting the extent of corporate influence in Ecuador’s nutrition policy. The paper calls for improved regulations to limit corporate influence and ensure transparency in policymaking processes.
Introduction Child malnutrition is a significant public health issue globally, influenced by various factors including poverty and inadequate access to nutritious food. Ecuador, like many other countries, faces the challenge of both undernutrition and overweight/obesity among its population, with diet-related non-communicable diseases being prevalent. Commercial determinants of health (CDOH), driven by industries like the food industry, play a crucial role in shaping population health. Despite evidence of the adverse health effects of ultra-processed foods, the food industry continues to thrive, particularly in emerging economies like Ecuador. The paper aims to investigate Ecuador’s response to child malnutrition and the influence of private commercial entities on public health policy.
Industry Influence on Public Health Policy Ultra-processed food industries employ various strategies to influence national policies in their favor, including lobbying, shaping narratives, and direct engagement with policymakers. In Ecuador, as in other Latin American countries, there is evidence of industry involvement in policy-making processes, creating entities to lobby and expand corporate influence. Despite global recommendations to adopt measures like increasing taxes on unhealthy foods, Ecuador has not fully implemented such policies. Recent government decisions suggest a prioritization of private interests over public health.
Involvement of Industry in Public Health Policy in Ecuador Ecuador’s weak institutional framework and history of corruption provide fertile ground for private sector influence. Recent years have seen a closer relationship between the private sector and the government, with limited transparency in decision-making processes. Examples of industry influence include a case where a bidding process benefited a company connected to government officials. The creation of non-profit organizations closely tied to food corporations further illustrates the intertwining of private interests with public health initiatives.
Evolution of Ecuador’s Child Malnutrition Strategy Since 2020 Since 2020, Ecuador has introduced several policy measures aimed at addressing child malnutrition, including the creation of a National Strategy and the establishment of the Ecuador Free of Child Malnutrition Secretariat (STECSDI). However, these initiatives have been marked by the involvement of individuals with corporate ties in key positions. For example, a former pharmaceutical executive led the drafting of the Intersectoral Plan to Prevent and Reduce Chronic Child Malnutrition. Additionally, the formation of the Ecuadorian Child Nutrition Network (REDNI), with representatives from major food corporations, further illustrates industry involvement in policymaking.
Integration of Private Interests in the Public Sector The paper identifies several corporate practices intervening in Ecuador’s efforts to address chronic child malnutrition. These include direct participation of industry representatives in government agencies, revolving door practices between government and industry, and pressures exerted by corporations on national and international organizations. Corporate social responsibility initiatives and civil society capture further demonstrate the extent of private sector influence. The lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms exacerbates the problem, allowing private interests to shape public health policy.
Conclusion The study highlights the increasing institutionalization of corporate influence in Ecuador’s nutrition and health policy, particularly in efforts to address child malnutrition. The government’s approach, characterized by public-private partnerships, lacks transparency and accountability, allowing private interests to guide policy decisions and benefit from tax deductions. The paper calls for improved regulations to limit corporate influence and ensure transparency in policymaking processes, drawing on legal precedents from other sectors in Ecuador.