Commercial determinants of health in Nepal: Confronting corporate power to protect public health

Abstract

An individual’s health and well-being outcomes are shaped by everyday living conditions, which in turn are influenced by the political, social and environmental contexts in which they live or work. In recent years, the concept of the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) has emerged as an important framework for understanding how private sector activities affect population health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines commercial determinants of health as the systems, practices, and pathways through which commercial actors drive health outcomes, often prioritizing profit over public well-being. These determinants include the production, marketing, and distribution of harmful products such as tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and sugary beverages, as well as corporate influence on public policy and regulation. This editorial highlights the conceptual dimension of CDoH, focuses on increasing influence in Nepal, and outlines potential strategies to address and mitigate these challenges.