Health & Population · Published 2025-05-14

Commercial Determinants of Health: A Public Health Perspective with a Commercial a Focus on Kenya

Introduction The Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) refer to the private sector activities that influence people's health positively or negatively. These determinants encompass the conditions, actions, and omissions by commercial…

Introduction

The Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) refer to the private sector activities that influence people's health positively or negatively. These determinants encompass the conditions, actions, and omissions by commercial actors that affect health, including the products and services they provide, their marketing strategies, and their influence on policy and societal norms. Understanding and addressing CDoH is crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Kenya, where the impact of commercial activities on health outcomes is profound. Public Health Ireland+2PMC+2Wikipedia+2World Health Organization (WHO)+1BMJ Global Health+1

Why Address CDoH Now?

The urgency to address CDoH stems from the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for 71% of all deaths worldwide, with 77% of these deaths occurring in LMICs . Commercial activities, including the marketing and availability of unhealthy products like tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods, significantly contribute to the prevalence of these diseases. Moreover, the globalized economy and trade liberalization have facilitated the spread of harmful products and practices, making it imperative to address CDoH to improve public health outcomes. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1BMJ Global Health+1Sahr+1

Populations Most Affected by CDoH

Populations in LMICs and socially disadvantaged groups are disproportionately affected by CDoH. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, lower educational levels, and exposure to aggressive marketing of unhealthy products exacerbate health disparities. In Kenya, for instance, urbanization and lifestyle changes have led to increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity, contributing to the rise in NCDs . Additionally, the legacy of colonialism has influenced economic and social structures, further impacting health outcomes in these populations.

Unhealthy Approaches and Strategies Used by CDoH Actors

Commercial actors employ various strategies that negatively impact public health:

  • Marketing and Advertising: Aggressive promotion of unhealthy products, often targeting children and vulnerable populations. BioMed Central+1BioMed Central+1

  • Policy Influence: Lobbying against public health regulations, such as taxes on sugary drinks or restrictions on tobacco advertising.

  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Engaging in CSR activities to improve public image while continuing harmful practices.

  • Product Placement and Pricing: Making unhealthy products more accessible and affordable than healthier options.

These strategies undermine public health initiatives and contribute to the normalization of unhealthy behaviors.

Tackling the Negative Impacts of CDoH Actors

Addressing the negative impacts of CDoH requires a multifaceted approach:

  • Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing regulations that limit the marketing and availability of harmful products.

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the health risks associated with certain products and behaviors.

  • Research and Monitoring: Conducting research to understand the impact of commercial activities on health and monitoring industry practices.

  • Cross-sector Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders from various sectors, including health, education, and finance, to develop comprehensive strategies.

  • Community Engagement: Involving communities in the development and implementation of interventions to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability.

The ACORDS Project: Assessing CDoH in Kenya

The "Assessing the Commercial Determinants of Health in Sub-Saharan Africa (ACORDS)" project is a collaborative initiative involving institutions from South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. In Kenya, the project aims to understand how commercial activities influence health outcomes and to develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts. The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is leading the Kenyan context of the project, focusing on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to address CDoH effectively. NIHR Funding AwardsLinkedIn

Conclusion

The Commercial Determinants of Health significantly influence public health outcomes, particularly in LMICs like Kenya. Addressing these determinants requires comprehensive strategies involving policy changes, public education, research, and community engagement. Initiatives like the ACORDS project are essential in understanding and mitigating the negative impacts of commercial activities on health, ultimately contributing to improved health equity and outcomes.

About the Author

Dr. Julius Kirimi Sindi is a global expert in research funding, policy impact, and donor relations. With extensive experience in analyzing philanthropy, business, and science funding, Dr. Sindi fosters sustainable and inclusive research ecosystems. He has facilitated international business relationships across Africa, Europe, and Asia. His upcoming book, "The Blueprint of Life Well Lived," explores successful strategies for navigating complex business environments while achieving sustainable growth.

References

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