There is now a substantial body of evidence for how engagements with industry can influence and undermine public health goals and the mission and purpose of public health institutions. Having a robust policy for engagement with commercial actors is therefore core to protecting the integrity, functions and trustworthiness of public health institutions like the FPH. The FPH Board formally approved a policy for governing engagement with commercial actors in March this year.
This also aligns with the strategic direction of other health agencies and NGOs globally who are developing and adopting similar policies, many drawing on the principles and guidance that govern engagement with the tobacco industry as part of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and other frameworks developed by agencies like the World Health Organisation for engaging with non-state actors.
