Globalization: changing the public health landscape

摘要: In June of this year trade negotiators from developing and industrialized countries met at the World Trade Organization to discuss intellectual property rights access essential medicines for poor. Several delegations included ministry health officials, others had been briefed by public experts. At about same time, Health Organization, governments, businesses nongovernmental organizations were discussing plans a global fund, launched earlier Kofi Annan, Secretary-General United Nations. This fund may become basis new collective approach controlling diseases poor, particularly AIDS, malaria tuberculosis. These two examples growing number initiatives reflect widespread awareness need domestic action within sector be complemented cross-sector cross-border action. Only with complementary strategies kind will it possible protect promote poor populations. world increasing interconnection interdependence there is an urgent scale up combined activities improve those who have left behind. It requires workforce knowledge skills maximize beneficial effects globalization on population status, minimize adverse ones. special issue Bulletin another step towards informing professionals implications their work. The articles cover wide spectrum points view, international local, cheerful gloomy, broadly generalizing highly specific. major unanswered question in field, despite firm views held interested parties, consequences economic growth engendered current phase globalization. Two contrasting appear issue. Dollar Bank (pp. 827-833) presents evidence that has raised incomes countries, generally benefited people. Cornia University Florence 834-841), other hand, while appreciating growth-promoting potential globalization, suggests benefits restricted small countries. Importantly, he stresses where successes they resulted combination outward orientation strong regulation. He challenges view impact income distribution neutral. local case studies, Kerala Thankappan 892-893) Thailand Sitthi-amorn et al. 889-890), some specific impacts various aspects health, third, Wyn-Owen 890-891) illustrates role influential organization putting high political agenda. Again level, Evans 856-862) find cost considerations are more important than nutritional knowledge, or even personal preferences, when people shop food. There agreement changes architecture required ensure …