Description
For some, the term global health conjures up imagesof strange, exotic places and customs. For others, it
brings to mind images of suffering, lack of health care and lack of resources. Still others recall interac- tions with international colleagues who have con- tributed to research and knowledge. There are vari- ous definitions of global health. The older term, international health, brought to mind health limited by borders, with the self-interest of individual coun- tries in the forefront. Diseases were not studied until they were felt to actually be important for the coun- try in question. The old tropical disease institutions were often started with the idea of protecting the militaries that were going from the developed coun- tries to the developing world.
Of course, today borders mean little. Diseases that one hears about in some far-off, remote corner of the
world can soon be on a plane to your hometown. Thus, the view of health and health care today must be all encompassing, transcend borders, and truly fit to elevate the health of all people everywhere. Our own view is that global health represents the inter- ests, activities, and data that are derived from and af- fect the health of the world as a whole and all mankind. As you read this book, our hope is that you will begin to see global health in new ways, and your role as a health team member and a world citizen in a new light.
We believe that this new book will be useful to students and learners of all ages whether they are be- ginning their study of global health or already work- ing in this field. We want it to be useful to anyone
wishing to expand their knowledge and gain new ideas, and to apply those ideas to the care of both pa- tients and populations. We have included learning objectives and study questions in all chapters to best contribute to the learning and instruction experience in global medicine and health.
We have managed to bring together a truly re- markable group of authors and contributors for this
text. Each one has extensive experience working globally, and each has a wealth of expertise in his or her own topic. The text explores the current burden of disease in the world, how health is determined, and the problems faced by the people and their health care workers around the world. The basics of epidemiology are included, as well as sections on ethics for those interested in international research. Basic issues in global health such as maternal and child health, primary health care, cross-cultural health care, and environmental health are covered thoroughly. Some very important current issues, such as emerging infectious diseases, drug resistance, HIV, tuberculosis, injuries, and nutritional prob- lems, are explored in depth. More advanced topics are also included, such as the chapters on global health manpower needs, financing global health, and the communications revolution. There is special at- tention to the global demographic transition and the problems of aging, and the difficulties of people caught up in wars and disasters. These are new and important topics for our changing world. Finally, there is a chapter on training and opportunities for work in the global health sector.
We are indebted to the chapter authors for taking time from their very busy schedules and contributing their knowledge and scholarship to this book. Most of the authors are members of the Global Health Ed- ucation Consortium (GHEC), an outstanding orga- nization of medical educators dedicated to furthering knowledge in the field of global health. We also want to acknowledge Jim Shanahan from McGraw-Hill, who has tirelessly supported and pushed forward this work.
A sad note is that one of the authors, Dr. Mark Stinson, passed away unexpectedly in California be-
fore publication. Mark was a tireless worker for the underserved and had extensive experience in many of the world’s hot spots. He put a lot of work into Chap- ter 9 and was very excited to see this book in produc- tion. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. Invariably, in a book of this nature there will be some errors or inaccuracies. Although we have tried to proofread and double-check each chapter, we wish to take responsibility for anything that is incorrect. Some items may even be outdated by the time the book is actually published, and for this we really have no control. Certain areas within the field of global health can change rapidly.