PAHO press release responds to Reuters article, says private sector not involved in decision-making processes

"The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) strongly disagrees with the allegations in the recent Reuters article that the food and beverage industry advises our policymaking" with respect to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the agency said in a press release on Saturday. "In line with PAHO Member States mandates and the Declaration of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases held in New York in September 2011, PAHO adheres to a comprehensive approach to fight NCDs, which includes governments, civil society, academia, international organizations, and private sector," the press release states, adding, "The goal is to work together to raise awareness, promote new and innovative initiatives, and share best practices on the prevention and control of NCDs, as well as in health promotion and behavioral changes." The press release describes how PAHO works to "manage potential conflicts of interest and ensure transparency and independence in the Organization's decision-making process," and the release states, "Private companies are not involved in health policies formulation or in decision-making processes of the Organization" (10/20).