Lighthouse Project Accepting Proposals to Address Childhood Obesity and Chronic Disease
The Nova Scotia Lighthouse project is now accepting proposals for an innovation challenge to address childhood obesity and chronic disease in the province.
Organizations registered to do business in Canada – for profit or not for profit – may submit a proposal for consideration that focuses on at least one of four priority areas.
“Chronic disease and obesity have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, our healthcare system, our economy and the future of our province,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We must use every tool to find solutions and reduce barriers to issues that impact the health of Nova Scotians, especially our children and youth.”
The areas of focus include:
- expanding access to healthy food
- promoting healthy eating
- designing communities that promote physical activity, free play and active transportation
- reducing screen time and sedentary behaviour.
The call for proposals closes October 18 before a rigorous evaluation and multi-stage review process begins. Organizations whose proposals are approved will be invited to submit a detailed application for funding.
Information on the challenge and how to submit a proposal is available at: https://lighthousens.ca/the-challenge/
In May 2023, the Province and Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding focused on improving the healthcare system, which established four areas of collaboration. Non-communicable disease management and care is one of the areas this partnership and innovation challenge will address.
The Nova Scotia Lighthouse project is a result of the partnership with Denmark and is based on a concept from the Danish Business Promotion Agency, Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Novo Nordisk, research institutions and technology companies.
Quotes:
“Novo Nordisk is proud to support the Nova Scotia Lighthouse project and excited to see results from the innovation challenge and its impact on Nova Scotians. Chronic conditions like obesity are complex and require a holistic approach to address and ultimately defeat. Pioneering scientific breakthroughs and innovation is in our DNA. We believe the best way to support optimal health outcomes is through collaborative, purposeful partnerships.”
— Vince Lamanna, Senior Vice-President and President, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
Quick Facts:
- the Province and Novo Nordisk Canada have each contributed $1.5 million toward the project
- Nova Scotia is the first jurisdiction in the world, outside of Denmark, to deliver this initiative
- about 68 per cent of Nova Scotians over 12 years of age have been diagnosed with a chronic condition
- about 37 per cent of children and youth in Nova Scotia are overweight or obese
Additional Resources:
News Release – New Partnership Will Address Childhood Obesity, Chronic Disease: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/05/new-partnership-will-address-childhood-obesity-chronic-disease
News Release – Nova Scotia Signs Health Agreement with Denmark: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/05/24/nova-scotia-signs-health-agreement-denmark
Source : Provincial Release