International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Demystifying Commercial Influences on Health: Applying Systems Dynamics Methodologies to Policy Processes; Comment on “Using System Dynamics to Understand Transnational Corporate Power in Diet-Related Non-communicable Disease Prevention Policy-Making: A Case Study of South Africa”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Marsha Orgill 1
Lori Lake 1
Zakaria Belrhiti 2, 3
Mumta Hargoven 4
1 The Children’s Institute, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2 International School Mohammed VI of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
3 Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco
4 Global Health Policy Unit, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
10.34172/ijhpm.9174
Abstract
In their study on which we provide commentary, the authors applied a qualitative systems dynamics methodology to explore how transnational corporate power has led to policy inertia in the prevention of diet-related noncommunicable disease (RD-NCD) in South Africa. This commentary explores the potential of systems thinking and causal loop diagrams to deepen understandings of – and responses to – the commercial determinants of health (CDOH). We reflect on the application of causal loop diagrams in policy processes and provide reflections that proposed strategies for change will need to take into account recent shifts in global discourse, funding streams and the balance of global power. 
Keywords
Systems Thinking
Complexity
Corporate Power
South Africa
Diet-Related
Non-communicable Disease
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 14, Issue 1
2025
Pages 1-4

  • Received Date 22 April 2025
  • Revised Date 11 June 2025
  • Accepted Date 01 July 2025
  • First Published Date 07 July 2025
  • Published Date 01 December 2025