Why Global Health Matters How to (Actually) Make the World a Better Place

Global health represents an integration of multi-causal problems, and as such, it must be considered by a diverse set of professions and humanitarian actors. Disasters of nature as well as of war and conflict are exacerbated by sustainability issues, lack of resources, poverty, and illness. Problems of global health will never be solved by healthcare professionals alone. Political science, agriculture, engineering, military intervention, and policy experts are needed as well. Why Global Health Matters aims to address multiple global health issues in multiple regions of the world from multiple perspectives. Admittedly, it's an ambitious effort - but when tackling global crises, it would be a mistake to expect anything else. Why Global Health Matters is divided into four sections: backgrounds and trends, approaches and clinical solutions, approaches and structural solutions, and sustainability. Whether you're an academic looking for classroom material, a policymaker researching an issue, or a boots-on-the-ground humanitarian, there is something in this book for you. Readers should use the table of contents to find the chapters they are most interested in, but should also explore chapters they might not otherwise be personally drawn to - oftentimes an unexpected perspective or an unanticipated voice is the most eye-opening. The hope is that this book will both inspire new projects and improve existing ones, and that readers will not only be informed by this book but motivated by it. REVIEWS Chris Stout has compiled an incredible cadre of humanitarian activists, scholars, and scientists...to share insights on why global health matters... These diverse global health practitioners help shed light on the...interrelated nature of this work, with an emphasis on understanding the importance of mental health in overall well-being. This book will no doubt serve to inspire a new generation to embrace this meaningful calling... - Valerie Dobiesz, MD, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard Medical School Chris Stout's latest publication provides a wealth of resources for...groups who are interested in addressing...global health...We now have a practical approach to examining the scope of the global health problems...and a clear case for community-based solutions. - Breeda McGrath, PhD, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Why Global Health Matters addresses some of the most important issues facing humanity today. Not only does it provide an insightful description of global health problems, but the book focuses on important, sustainable solutions. An insightful and eye-opening read that will challenge you to engage. - Greg Martin, MD, Chief Editor at Globalization and Health The diverse sections of the book share a core message: a multidisciplinary, multisectoral, and multicultural approach is essential...Why Global Health Matters...is an indispensable benchmark resource... [and] is an inspiration to anyone interested in...improving the well-being of at-risk...individuals and communities. - Michael Stevens, PhD, Past-President of the APA Division of International Psychology Why Global Health Matters...aims to illustrate how seemingly disparate disciplines intersect... ...[T]he achievement of health is multifaceted, complicated, and not a guarantee...This book excels in highlighting...what people have done and people can do to tackle seemingly impossible challenges... - Janet Lin, MD, MPH, Director of Health Systems Development, Center for Global Health, University of Illinois at Chicago I know no one more qualified and more expert in world mental health than Chris Stout, and he has brought together an amazing team to discuss global health and mental health issues and their interaction. This volume can actually help make the world a better, healthier place. - Kurt F. Geisinger, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln