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-onthe-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.
Why Global Health Matters will enrich the existing collection for the following reasons: • • • • •
Global health is a timely, relevant topic in our world today, especially given recent epidemics and disasters (both manmade and natural). Due to the diversity of the contributors, Why Global Health Matters offers a holistic, comprehensive approach to understanding and enhancing global health. This book includes chapters on background, solutions, and sustainability. It also includes niche chapters on specific challenges in the field of global health. The contributing authors draw from their wide range of professional experience (both domestically and internationally), and this is evident in the content they’ve produced. Given their personal involvement in global health, the contributing authors write not only academically, but with a personal touch. Buy now http://tinyurl.com/WhyGlobalHealthMattersAtAmazon Learn more at http://www.alifeinfull.org/why-global-health-matters.html
What to expect from Why Global Health Matters… Foreword by Jody Williams Part I- Trends and Background Global Mental Health: Examining Trends Globally and among Developing Regions Global Health Impact of War, Terrorism, Conflict, and Political Instability A Comparative Analysis of Global Health in South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore) HIV/AIDS and Global Health: A Minority Stress Perspective Perspectives on World Sleep Disturbances The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in the Global Action against Dementia A Recurring Global Syndrome: Challenges in Treating an Epidemic of Communal Trauma Activating Compassion into Meaningful Impact Part II- Approaches and Clinical Solutions Meaningfulworld’s Response to a Crisis in Global Trauma and Health Community Health Workers as Agents of Change: Case Studies from Haiti, Tanzania, and Burmese Refugees in the U.S. The Utilization of the Biopsychosocial Model for Disease Prevention and Global Health Promotion Promoting Global Mental Health through Counselor Education PTSD in Ugandan Refugees: Establishing a Peer-Counseling Program with a Global Health Partner PTSD Unites the World: Prevention, Intervention, and Training with the Therapeutic Spiral Model Amaudo Itumbauzo – Settlement of Peace: A Collaborative Approach to Community-Based Psychosocial Service Provision in Sub-Saharan Africa Part III – Approaches and Structural Solutions International Disaster Preparedness and Response A Curriculum for Increased Psychological Wellbeing Worldwide The Role of Mental Health in Peacebuilding Interventions: A 3B’s Analysis Approach Project 1948: Establishing an NGO in Global Health Establishing a Virtual Academy for Overcoming Global Poverty: Taking Knowledge into Action Investing in the Global Health Workforce Global Health and Ethnocentrism: Challenges in Establishing a Global Health Curriculum in Japan Part IV – Sustainability From Surviving to Thriving: The Role of Mental Health in Facilitating Global Health and Attaining Sustainable Development Primary Care in Global Health: A Sustainable, Integrative Approach Planting Seeds, Growing Docs in Kenya Global Health and HIV/AIDS: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Capacity Strengthening Defined by Local Organizations Promoting Sustainable Change so that Communities Thrive with and without Us A Guide to Developing Sustainable Global Health Projects Afterword: Exponential Love: We Can Change the World through One Touch Point at a Time Buy now http://tinyurl.com/WhyGlobalHealthMattersAtAmazon Learn more at http://www.alifeinfull.org/why-global-health-matters.html
Reviews The world is increasingly facing natural and man-made humanitarian disasters that negatively impact the health and well-being of the world's most vulnerable populations. In this current political and environmental climate, it is even more essential to reengage and act in a responsible, sustainable, feasible, and effective manner to "make the world a better place." Chris Stout has compiled an incredible cadre of humanitarian activists, scholars, and scientists from a wide range of academic spheres to share insights on why global health matters and lessons learned from the field. These diverse global health practitioners help shed light on the complexities, scope, and 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, as well as encourage and inform those of us making our way in this essential and complex field of study. – Valerie Dobiesz, MD, MPH, FACE, Director of External Programs: STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard Medical School Chris Stout’s latest publication provides a wealth of resources for practitioners, researchers, academics, leaders, individuals, and groups who are interested in addressing the complexities of global health. The wide range of contributors provides a rich background for grasping the scale of what we need to address as we learn to live together. As they integrate physical health and emotional well-being, the authors map our way forward using sustainable solutions. We now have a practical approach to examining the scope of the global health problems and opportunities, and a clear case for community-based solutions. – Breeda McGrath, PhD, Dean of Academic Affairs, 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, Board of Directors at Irish Forum for Global Health
Why Global Health Matters offers a blueprint for creating successful humanitarian projects in a complex, multi-disciplinary world. Its strength is in the diversity of viewpoints it brings together to detail global health trends and the mechanisms for improvement around the world. The book masterfully gets at the true collaborative nature of global health – which is not a strictly medical field. This is an excellent resource for the doers trying to create change in global health and is also a good introduction to rising practitioners in the field. – Jaclyn Schiff Journalist and consultant
Global health is a flourishing area of research, practice, training, and advocacy. Edited by Dr. Chris Stout, Why Global Health Matters features chapters by internationally renowned experts who recognize that global health is multiply determined and calls for innovative, yet feasible policies and programs designed by all stakeholders. The diverse sections of the book share a core message: a multidisciplinary, multisectoral, and multicultural approach is essential for understanding, improving, and sustaining global health. Why Global Health Matters is a font of information drawn from contemporary research and fieldwork and is an indispensable benchmark resource for academics, practitioners, and students. Why Global Health Matters is an inspiration to anyone interested in socially responsible action aimed at improving the well-being of at-risk or suffering individuals and communities. – Michael Stevens, PhD, DHC, International Psychology Program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Past-President of the APA Division of International Psychology
Why Global Health Matters is not the only book out there that highlights global health issues; however, this book, edited by Chris Stout, aims to illustrate how seemingly disparate disciplines intersect to work towards health for all. Through a broad mental health lens, the book draws upon the humanitarian aspects of work experts have been doing in their field. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” However one defines it, the achievement of health is multifaceted, complicated, and not a guarantee. There are a multitude of biomedical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that impede its path. To work towards health and make a difference requires a holistic approach. No one person can accomplish it alone. This book excels in highlighting the various ways and means of what people have done and people can do to tackle seemingly impossible challenges and solve them. – Janet Lin, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine (College of Medicine) and Community Health Sciences (School of Public Health), Director of Health Systems Development (Center for Global Health), University of Illinois at Chicago
That the world is effectively both shrinking and yet remaining unstable seems clear. Psychology has much to offer in regard to the manifestations of this instability, perhaps especially to health and mental health concerns. We can learn from each other, from our research, our practices, and our successes. 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, Meierhenry Distinguished University Professor and Director, Buros Center for Testing, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln