Global trade and health promotion

Abstract

It is self-evident that patterns of global trade and the forces which govern such patterns affect population health. However, it is not self-evident how health promoters might engage with these forces. Some of the factors which mediate the links between trade and health include: income effects, capital formation, work, environmental impacts, toxic exposures, culture and diversity and governance and human security. 'Entry points' where trade policies could be affected by health advocacy include: simply talking about the issues; addressing fear and insecurity in the suburbs, promoting fair trade products (such as coffee and tea), and participating in campaigns such as those around access to medicines.