This unique introduction to the essentials of global health has been constructed by medical students from all over the world through the help of Medsin (now Students for Global Health) and the International Federation of Medical Students' Association (IFMSA). The global student and trainee author team, recruited and guided initially by Drs Dan and Felicity Knights (themselves students and officers of Medsin when work commenced), identified the key areas to be covered. Then the book they put together was edited by two experts in the field: Mr B Sethia and Professor Parveen Kumar. -- Provided by publisher

Section 1What is Global Health? -- A History of Global Health -- Key Concepts in Global Health -- The Global Burden of Disease -- Determinants of Health -- Evaluation of Healthcare -- Section 2 Healthcare Provision -- Health Systems -- Health Sectors -- Universal Health Coverage -- Access to Medicines -- The Health Workforce -- Section 3 Global Health Actors -- The United Nations and the World Health Organization -- International Organisations -- National Governments -- Non-Governmental Organisations and Social Movements -- Building Equitable Partnerships -- Section 4 Politics, Economics and Education -- Poverty, Social Inequality and Health -- Trade and Health -- Health and Industry -- The Pharmaceutical Industry -- Health Policy and Research -- Education and Health -- Section 5 Law, Ethics and Human Rights -- Human Rights and Health -- Law and Health -- Access to Health for Vulnerable Groups -- Ethics and Health -- Social Theories and Health -- Culture, Religion, Ethnicity and Health -- Section 6 Specific Global Health Challenges -- Communicable Diseases -- Neglected Tropical Diseases -- Non-Communicable Diseases -- Ageing & Dying -- Mental Health -- Maternal Health -- Child Health -- Global Dental Health -- Violence & Injury -- Section 7 The Environment -- Climate Change and Energy -- Natural Disasters -- Conflict and Health -- Food and Agriculture -- Urbanisation and Transport -- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.