International Networks
Global Alliance for Physical Activity
The Global Alliance for Physical Activity aims to provide advocacy, coordination, integration and a strategic orientation to global activities to promote population based approaches to physical activity. It has been established by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
International Physical Activity and the Environment Network
The International Physical Activity and the Environment Network aims to increase communication and collaboration between researchers investigating environmental correlates of physical activity, stimulate research, recommend common methods and measures, support researchers, bring together data from multiple countries for joint analyses and aid in the publication of data.
Key Organisations in International Nutrition
Within Europe and internationally, several official organisations have a remit which includes nutrition. These organisations publish policy documents, develop strategies, monitor food intake or health, and in some cases implement regulations.
World Health Organization (WHO)
This global organisation with its headquarters in Geneva is responsible for co-ordinating health within the United Nations (UN) system. It has a wide remit covering chronic and infectious diseases, mental health, nutrition, food safety, accidents, biohazards, health economics and preventative health. WHO’s wide-reaching role includes providing leadership on global issues, funding research, setting standards, creating evidence-based policy, monitoring health trends, and providing technical support to individual nations. The WHO headquarters office in Geneva also co-ordinates six satellite offices covering the major regions of the globe. WHO’s activities in the area of diet and nutrition involves:
• Growth assessment and surveillance
• Country-focused nutrition policies and programmes
• Reduction of micronutrient malnutrition
• Nutrition in development and crisis.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
With its headquarters based in Rome, the FAO is another important UN organisation. The mandate of FAO is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.
Last updated:
17/11/2009
