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.

More Creative Thinking Needed On Drug R&D

The world's most prevalent diseases are virtually ignored by public health researchers – and some advocates are fighting back
Priya Shetty
May 4, 2005

Brazil Spurns US Terms for AIDS Help

South American country is first to speak out against Bush administration ideological stance
Sarah Boseley
May 4, 2005

Deadly Flu Strain Shipped Worldwide

Due to a dangerous mistake, thousands of laboratories now possess the virus responsible for the deadly 1957 pandemic
Rob Stein
April 13, 2005

"Tsunami Effect" Likely to Hit Africa

Relief organizations see African funds diverted to South Asia
Kevin J. Kelley
February 24, 2005

Cheap AIDS Drugs Under Threat

India's ban on copying medicines may cause a worldwide spike in the price of AIDS treatment
Randeep Ramesh
March 23, 2005