Global phenomena such as climate change and urbanisation impact on health, regardless of national borders. Poor governance, inadequate infrastructure and conflict all underpin the deteriorating picture of global health, especially for developing countries. Healthcare structures, including pharmaceuticals and research, are oriented to serve the needs of the West, with trade restrictions and the recruitment of healthcare workers away from the countries where they are needed most further skewing the international picture.

We believe the RCP has an important role to play in the field of global health. We have a twofold approach that includes both advocacy and the implementation of practical projects which raise standards of medical care in local settings. These focus on strengthening health systems through educational and training programmes, such as the current collaborative initiative with the West African College of Physicians.

Our advocacy work looks to internationalise the RCP’s work on reducing health harms related to alcohol, tobacco, nutrition and obesity. These themes are particularly significant to the health problems faced in regions such as the Middle East and West Africa. We also seek to transfer the lessons learnt from tackling infectious diseases with non-vertical programmes across to non-communicable diseases.

Key concepts

  • Global health includes issues that concern many countries or are affected by transnational determinants, such as tobacco control, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, injury prevention and the migration of health care workers. 
  • A synthesis of population-based prevention and individual-level clinical care is required
  • The approach must encompass prevention, treatment and care.
  • Interdisciplinarity is important, requiring the inclusion of perspectives from engineering, economics, law, and social, biomedical and environmental sciences .
  • A shift in philosophy that emphasises partnership between developed and developing countries must replace expectations of a one-way flow of knowledge and experience from north to south.

Global health conference

14-15 April 2011: Building Institutions through Equitable Partnerships in Global Health