The SPECTRUM Consortium : A new UK Prevention Research Partnership consortium focussed on the commercial determinants of health, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and the reduction of health inequalities

Horton, Marie and Perman-Howe, Parvati R. and Angus, Colin and Bishop, Julie and Bogdanovica, Ilze and Brennan, Alan and Britton, John and Brose, Leonie S. and Brown, Jamie and Collin, Jeff and Dockrell, Martin and Fitzgerald, Niamh and Friel, Sharon and Gillespie, Duncan and Gilmore, Anna B. and Hill, Sarah E. and Knai, Cecile and Langley, Tessa and Martin, Sancha and McNeill, Ann and Moore, Graham and Munafò, Marcus R. and Murray, Rachael L. and Opazo Breton, Magdelena and Pearce, Jamie and Petticrew, Mark and Reid, Garth and Robson, Deborah and Rutter, Harry and Shahab, Lion and Shortt, Niamh and Smith, Katherine and Syrett, Keith and Bauld, Linda (2021) The SPECTRUM Consortium : A new UK Prevention Research Partnership consortium focussed on the commercial determinants of health, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and the reduction of health inequalities. Wellcome Open Research, 6. 6. ISSN 2398-502X (https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16318.1)

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Abstract

The main causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities and health inequity include consumption of unhealthy commodities such as tobacco, alcohol and/or foods high in fat, salt and/or sugar. These exposures are preventable, but the commodities involved are highly profitable. The economic interests of 'Unhealthy Commodity Producers' (UCPs) often conflict with health goals but their role in determining health has received insufficient attention. In order to address this gap, a new research consortium has been established. This open letter introduces the SPECTRUM ( S haping Public h Ealth poli Cies To Reduce ineq Ualities and har M) Consortium: a multi-disciplinary group comprising researchers from 10 United Kingdom (UK) universities and overseas, and partner organisations including three national public health agencies in Great Britain (GB), five multi-agency alliances and two companies providing data and analytic support. Through eight integrated work packages, the Consortium seeks to provide an understanding of the nature of the complex systems underlying the consumption of unhealthy commodities, the role of UCPs in shaping these systems and influencing health and policy, the role of systems-level interventions, and the effectiveness of existing and emerging policies. Co-production is central to the Consortium's approach to advance research and achieve meaningful impact and we will involve the public in the design and delivery of our research. We will also establish and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with policy makers, alongside our partners, to increase the visibility, credibility and impact of our evidence. The Consortium's ultimate aim is to achieve meaningful health benefits for the UK population by reducing harm and inequalities from the consumption of unhealthy commodities over the next five years and beyond.

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)