IILA joined food policy experts, civil society organizations, and media professionals at the Media and Research for Advocacy Workshop held in Accra, Ghana. Organized by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the workshop brought together participants from across Africa to build capacity in using research and media to advance public health advocacy.

IILA’s Programme Officer, Gideon Ogutu, presented Kenya’s journey in developing its Nutrient Profile Model, a scientific tool critical to front-of-package labelling, marketing regulation, and trans fat elimination under the FoodPolicyKE project. He outlined the evidence-based process and stakeholder engagement that informed the model’s formulation.

Rose Nabwire, IILA’s Communications Officer, showcased the success and learnings from the #TransFatFreeKenya digital campaign, which has played a vital role in public awareness and policy advocacy for eliminating industrially produced trans fats. The campaign’s creative approach to storytelling, influencer engagement, and data-backed messaging was well received by participants and global partners.

The workshop provided a dynamic platform for:

• Sharing cross-country lessons on food labeling, ultra-processed foods, and cardiovascular health;

• Enhancing digital advocacy skills to support healthier food environments.

• Fostering regional collaboration on NCD prevention and nutrition policy.

IILA’s active participation reinforced its growing leadership in continental food policy advocacy and strategic communications for health, expanding networks and partnerships essential for long-term impact.