Description:
According to the World Health Organization (2015), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 74% of all deaths in the MENA region, where rates of overweight/obesity and the prevalence of NCDs among women of reproductive age and youth have been increasing. Calorie-dense ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have also been identified as major contributors to total calories consumed by women and youth in the region. In this webinar, panelists presented findings on the current trends in infant, young child, and maternal diet and nutrition in the MENA region (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), sharing case studies on the impact of evidence-based policy actions on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) sales and its overall consumption.

Moderator:
Dr. Hala Nawaiseh, Assistant Professor, University of Jordan

Speakers:
Dr. Shibani Ghosh, Principal Investigator, Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab, Tufts University
Dr. Lynne M. Ausman, Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Professor of International Nutrition, Tufts University
Dr. Reem Alsukait, Assistant Professor, King Saud University