Since human migrations began, germs have traveled with people, animals and traded goods. In an interconnected and mobile world, diseases such as HIV/AIDS and SARS can spread rapidly. Yet international cooperation through agencies such as the World Health Organization also allows for a collective response to global health threats and faster response times. Nations have developed diverse health care systems, aiming for cost-effective treatment. Yet the diverse systems contribute to disparities in global health, including availability of technology, pharmaceutical companies targeting innovations to maximize profits, and providers abandoning areas of need for higher salaries in the West, just to name a few.

Food and the Walmartization of Agriculture

All strawberries are not equal
Josh Sager
July 17, 2013

Smoking in Latin America

Addiction and treatment costs run high in nations like Chile
June 24, 2013

World With More Phones Than Toilets Shows Water Challenge

The world takes water for granted
Randall Hackley
March 21, 2013

H7N9 Bird Flu Is “Serious Threat,” Researchers Warn

Unpredictable viruses can mutate in days
James Gallagher
May 3, 2013

Can Western Companies Put an End to Bangladesh Factory Disasters?

Low-cost goods can come from death traps
Pramila Jayapal
May 1, 2013