Lecture 18Globalization and Health.ppt

Drager/STU/Oct2002 Lecture 18:Globalization and Health Richard Smith Reader in Health Economics School of Medicine, Health Policy Practice Overview of lecture What is globalization? Relationship between globalization and health Aspects of globalization that may effect health Health, international trade and WTO Trade in health services and GATS What is ‘Globalization’? Easier travel communication Mixing of customs cultures Integration of national economies (removal of barriers to international trade finance) – ‘liberalization’ or ‘openness’ Means cannot view national health, interventions and policies in isolation from: other countries other sectors (e.g. travel, finance) Aspects of Globalization thatmay effect Health General effect on health from changes in national economic growth – link between ‘health and wealth’ Environmental degradation (e.g. air, water pollution) Improved access to knowledge and technology Marketing of harmful products unhealthy behaviours Conflict security Cross-border transmission of disease Health and International Trade Context: Effects of trade liberalisation on public health Trade removal of impediments to liberalisation: trade in goods and services (especially via WTO) Public health: organised measures (public /or private) to prevent disease, promote health or prolong life of the population as a whole Specific Public Health Issues Infectious disease control Food safety Tobacco Environment Access to drugs Food security Emerging issues (biotechnology….) Health services WTO Agreements Goods: GATT Technical barriers to trade: SPS, TBT Intellectual property and trade : TRIPS Services: GATS Specific Health Issues and most relevant WTO Agreements Trade in Health Services/GATS: Background International trade growing, trade in services is increasing percentage of this overall growth Of this trade, health sector is already affected by liberalization in other areas (e.g. finance) Many countries see health as a