Globalization and inequity as determinants of malnutrition: A clear need for activism

Attempts to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition have generally concentrated on food availability rather than on food demand, and on technical solutions such as micronutrient fortification and supplementation rather than on improving equitable access to adequate food, health and care. Relatively little attention has been devoted to important external determinants such as globalization and actions of transnational corporations (TNCs). In the last two decades, inequity has greatly increased with a widening gap between rich and poor, while globalization has been offered as the answer to improving the economies of poor countries. Much power has been moved to the marketplace and to TNCs who are neither adequately regulated nor accountable to national governments nor their citizens. It is important that nutrition scientists study these issues, and link up with other activists working to reduce inequity, oppose harmful aspects of globalization, and reign in the power of TNCs. Activism has previously achieved some successes, notably in countering the unethical promotion of breastmilk substitutes.