Trade Agreements and Public Health

The need for policy coherence between trade and health has never been greater, yet few public health workers are equipped to navigate this complex field. This book aims to fill this gap, providing a focused and readable introduction to the topic. It introduces the principles underpinning trade treaties and examines the implications of trade rules for health services and access to medicines, unhealthy commodities, labour rights and the environment. It explores the trade policy making process, methods for trade and health research, and recommendations for strengthening policy coherence.

The first easily accessible, plain language text on international trade agreements and public health, suitable for readers unfamiliar with the field

Spans the technical and political dimensions of trade and health, providing an outline of the different issues and agreements, discussion of methods for analysing the impact of trade agreements on health, and analysis of approaches to advocacy and capacity building towards healthier trade agreements

Presents a digestible yet comprehensive overview of the key thinking and research in the field

Provides a valuable starting point and list of key references for those who are interested in delving into further reading