Globalization and Health

Contemporary globalization has had tremendous impact on health equity across the globe. However, no volume has systematically analyzed the relationship between globalization and global trends in health outcomes. This book consolidates and updates the findings of a global research project undertaken by the Globalisation Knowledge Network (GKN) of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Chapters examine such questions as: How has trade liberalisation affected the social determinants of health? How has globalization affected food security, nutrition and equitable access to water and sanitation? How well do present global governance structures take account of the health equity effects associated with the social determinants of health? This landmark volume will be a necessary addition for researchers and scholars studying the field of globalization, health and social policy, and public health across the social sciences.

Ronald Labonté is Canada Research Chair in Globalization & Health Equity, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa. Chair of the Globalization Knowledge Network for the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2005-2008), recent books include Critical Public Health: A Reader (co-edited with Judith Greene, Routledge. 2007); Health Promotion: From Community Empowerment to Global Justice (co-authored with Glenn Laverack, Palgrave Macmillan. 2008); Health for Some: Death, Disease and Disparity in a Globalizing Era (co-authored with Ted Schrecker and Amit Sen Gupta, Centre for Social Justice, 2005); Fatal Indifference: The G8, Africa and Global Health (co-authored with Ted Schrecker, David Sanders and Wilma Meeus, University of Cape Town Press/IDRC Books, 2004).

Ted Schrecker is a Scientist and Associate Professor at the Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Canada. A political scientist by background, he served as Hub coordinator of the Globalization Knowledge Network for the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, he was a co-author of Fatal Indifference: The G8, Africa and Global Health (University of Cape Town Press/IDRC Books, 2004) and the editor of Surviving Globalism: The Social and Environmental Challenges (Macmillan, 1997).

Corinne Packer is at the Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa. She has written two books on reproductive health and human rights. She has also written numerous articles and book chapters on the migration of health professionals, the African Union, and Roma women and health care, inter alia.

Vivien Runnels is a Ph.D. student in Population Health and a research associate with the Globalization and Health Equity Research Unit at the University of Ottawa. Her previous employment includes research coordination, rehabilitation counseling and teaching. She researches community-based participatory research; knowledge translation; food insecurity and health human resources.