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.

Hungry World: A Silent Crisis Calls for Urgent Action

Developed nations should reform aid and launch a new Green Revolution
Marshall Bouton
July 7, 2009

Stopping the Death Spiral

US healthcare reform can help the world
David Dapice
May 26, 2009

China’s Image Sullied by Tainted Milk

Putting profit and prestige over safety, China compounds the crisis with a cover-up
Mary Kay Magistad
October 1, 2008

Diagnosing at a Distance

India’s telemedicine initiative could improve quality of life in both neglected rural areas and overseas
Margot Cohen
September 10, 2008

China Steps Up to a Global Threat

Beijing's new anti-AIDS commitment part of trend to greater openness
John Gittings
December 5, 2003

The World's Poor and Sick Have Not Been Forgotten

Pharmaceutical companies and governments are making real progress on improving access to medicines
Krishna Ravi Srinivas
October 20, 2003