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.

The New Future of Old Age

Governments should encourage healthy ways and saving
Peter W. Gallagher
December 29, 2011

Indian Firms Jolted by China's Social Security Plan

New requirements for foreign firms could put the brakes to foreign investment
Saibal Dasgupta
November 10, 2011

The UN’s Battle with NCDs

Multinational firms profit from diabetes and other preventable diseases
Sheri Fink and Rebecca Rabinowitz
October 19, 2011

How Global Trade Can Rein in Health Costs

The US could open its health-care market, exporting patients and importing caregivers
Dean Baker, Jagdish Bhagwati
September 21, 2011

Portable Microscope Detects Bacteria Using Holograms

New portable microscope promises improvements in health care for the developing world
September 19, 2011