THE PURSUIT OF GLOBAL HEALTH - THE RELEVANCE OF ENGAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPED-COUNTRIES

The globalisation of the world economy and the consequent increase in commerce, travel, and communication have brought benefits to virtually every country. But these changes also bring risks that cannot be addr essed adequately within traditional national borders. These risks incl ude emerging infectious diseases, resulting in part from increased pre valence of drug-resistant pathogens; exposure to dangerous substances, such as contaminated foodstuffs, and banned and toxic substances; and violence, including chemical and bioterrorist attack. By investing in global health, industrliased countries will not only benefit populati ons in desperate and immediate need of assistance, but also themselves -through protecting their people, improving their economies, and advan cing their international interests. This paper describes the rationale for involvement of industrialised countries in global health, and sug gests a means for its coordination.