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.

A Report from the Ground Zero of China’s AIDS Crisis

Despite positive publicity, official Chinese help for the infected remains inadequate while foreign assistance is refused
Pierre Haski
June 30, 2005

Preparing for a New Global Threat – Part I

Urgent and coordinated action is needed to head off mutation of avian influenza into a new Spanish Flu
David Heymann
January 26, 2005

Preparing for a New Global Threat – Part II

When the next wave of influenza hits, the world's poor will stand to lose the most
Thomas Abraham
January 28, 2005

How Dangerous is the Bird Flu?

A science writer addresses commonly asked questions
Laurie Garrett
February 6, 2004

AIDS: Facing the Second Wave

India's methods of combating the disease could provide examples – positive, as well as negative – for developing countries
Pramit Mitra
January 20, 2005

Indian Doctors Help Fill US Health Care Needs

But tougher visa requirements and discrimination may exacerbate the looming US healthcare crisis
Steve Raymer
February 16, 2004