THE GLOBALIZATION OF PUBLIC-HEALTH, II - THE CONVERGENCE OF SELF-INTEREST AND ALTRUISM

The transnationalization of disease and health risks will require glob al awareness, analysis, and action and indicates a need for global coo peration. Transnational actions must be built on firm local and nation al foundations, but they also require new forms of transnational colla boration in order to minimize risks and build on opportunities. In a w orld characterized by the globalization of public health, countries an d communities will need to look beyond their narrow self-interests in defining and confronting the shared problems that are emerging. In fac t, a strong case can be made that enlightened self-interest and altrui sm will converge in the increasingly interdependent world being shaped by the process of globalization.