Global health: Where are our priorities?

Abstract

The subject of 'global health' can be considered from multiple points of view. While epidemiologists might describe global health problems in categories of pathology groups, social scientists might consider the problem from the stand point of institutional and infrastructural strengths and failings. An over-arching theme, however, is that the distribution of the burden of ill health is disproportionately carried by the poor. This paper aims to defend the idea that inequality should be considered the main priority in global ill health.Sources of dataReview of the literature, personal communications and the WHO commission on the Social Determinants of Health.Areas of agreementThe extent and urgency of global health problems.Areas of controversyThe cause of ill health and the appropriate intervention.Growing pointsWe all need a deeper appreciation of the plight of the poor and the extent to which suffering can be mitigated by striving for a more equitable future.Areas timely for developing researchResearch into the broader global forces that impact on economic disparity (for the better and the worse) and the extent to which they effect measureable health outcomes is an extremely important area for research in this day and age.