The global health policy landscape has changed considerably over the past decade. There is more money available to allocate to health initiatives than ever before, a large percentage of which has come from private funds and public private partnerships (PPPs). Some experts have welcomed these changes, while others have had considerable reservations. Despite positive developments, such as increased access to antiretroviral therapy for patients with HIV/AIDS, the health situation in poor countries and for the poor communities of rich countries remains abominable. It is often in the world’s poorest countries that the highest percentage of health costs is met with private, out-of-pocket spending. This creates poverty traps that can be impossible for people to escape.   Read more>>

Despite major advances in knowledge and unprecedented gains in global wealth, health inequities between the rich and poor are increasing, both within and among countries (1). Poverty, poor living and working conditions and the inability to influence these conditions are directly related to poor health. The 2008 report of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health observes that ‘social injustice is killing people on a grand scale’ (2).   Read more...>>