Global Health in globalization times

Abstract

This article presents definitions, concepts and principles of Global Health, based on its historical development and on the contemporary context, marked by globalization process. It shows the evolution of the concept of international health to Global Health. Economic globalization, together with political, cultural, informational and of communication globalization, presents new opportunities and challenges, but its benefits and risks to human health have been scarcely studied. The article discusses what are Global Health problems in the 21st Century, characterized by accumulated health problems, new health problems and problems related to new paradigms. It proposes a research agenda in Global Health for the present and near future, with examples of research themes in three main lines: unequal distribution of diseases around the world; impacts of global environmental changes on human health, mitigation and adaptation; Global Health policies, institutions and systems.