Public health experts to discuss sugary drinks

Public health experts to discuss sugary drinks

University of Auckland public health experts will feature at a one-day conference on ‘Sugary Drink Free Aotearoa by 2025’ in Auckland next month. (7 October)

Keynote speakers include Professor Barry Popkin (via video conference) from the University of North Carolina who has organised researchers to work on national and regional regulatory options for taxes on junk food and sugary drinks.

One of the highlights will be a panel discussion chaired by Professor Boyd Swinburn, Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health at the University of Auckland, and Alfred Deakin, Professor and Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University in Melbourne.

The panel will include the MP for Manukau East Jenny Salesa, the CEO of Toi Tangata Leonie Matoe, the Director of Pacific Health for the University of Auckland, Dr Teuila Percival, the chairman of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board, Efeso Collins, and the GM of Pacific Health Development, Elizabeth Powell.

University of Auckland post-doctoral research fellow, Dr Gerhard Sundborn from the School of Population Health is researching initiatives to reduce sugary drink consumption.

Both ‘Dr FiZZ’ and Che Fu will talk about the study they developed and implemented - the Kelston Beverages study which trialled a social marketing intervention to encourage youth to reduce their intake of sugary drinks.

The day’s official welcome is from Associate Professor Papaarangi Reid, Tumuaki and Head of Department of Māori Health at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.

Master of ceremonies is Ika Tameifuna who has a long history in public service working with Pasifika communities in the areas of health, justice and education. Ika works for the Counties Manukau District Health Board, as a language practitioner.

There will be presentations by public health experts from hospital boards, universities and Maori groups from around New Zealand.

The Conference is at MIT Manukau (corner of Manukau Station Road and Davies Avenue) on Wednesday 7 October. Registration for the day is $50.

For more information on the programme and registration go to this link:
https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2015/oct/sugary-drink-free-aotearoa-by-2025

ENDS

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