On 6 February 2026, The Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, organized the Third “Asia–Africa Learning Exchange in Food Policy Research and Advocacy” Webinar. The event aims to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in evidence generation to inform food policy decisions and to strengthen collaboration among researchers across Asia and Africa.
This session focused on the topic “Taxing Unhealthy Food, Improving Food Environments (2): The Messenger Matters Just as Much as the Message.” The discussion will highlight the importance of effective communication and fiscal policy measures in promoting healthier food environments and sustainable public health outcomes.
Distinguished speakers include:
- Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Thailand
- Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Pakistan
- Ms. Joy Amafah, Nigeria In-Country Coordinator for Food Policy and Nutrition Programs, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Nigeria
- Ms. Martha Ogutu, Senior Program Officer on Health and Governance, Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN), Kenya
- Mr. John Thomi, Policy Officer on Tax & Equity and Secretariat, Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), Kenya
- Ms. Madihar Ahmad, Senior Program Specialist from International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada as a moderator for panel discussion
The session was convened by the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University with Dr. Sarunya Sujaritpong serving as the MC.
