Margaret (Peggy) Bentley, PhD

Public health leaders are beginning to understand that in a world where nations and economies are increasingly interdependent, whether through the continuing globalization of the economy, ongoing demographic changes, or the rapidly rising costs of health care in diverse countries, ill health in any population affects all people. Distinctions between domestic and international health problems are losing their usefulness.

This paradigm shift toward a global health perspective brings an emphasis on mutual information and cultural exchange among countries. Health priorities that have an effect upon populations around the world include poverty, hunger, infectious and chronic diseases, violence, pollution, water and sanitation, weakening of socio-cultural environments, and violations of human rights.

Traditionally, the perspective of international health in the U.S. has focused primarily on U.S.-based efforts to conduct health research, assessment, and practice in developing countries. However, as highlighted in the Institute of Medicine's 1997 report "America's Vital Interest in Global Health," the fields of health and social development are rethinking their approaches to many issues, as nations everywhere struggle with the economic and ethical dilemmas of achieving and maintaining healthy populations.

At UNC, public health is global health!

Faculty, staff, and students in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health are actively engaged in developing new solutions to the challenges of global health. Through this website, you can find information about their efforts in research, teaching, and practice in global health. You will also find links to the larger world of global health organizations.

In addition, you will find information about our exciting Global Health Certificate Program and the numerous events we sponsor. Our hope is that this site can be a resource for members of the UNC community as well as for others who share our commitment to bettering the health of all peoples. We invite your suggestions of information that you would like to see included here to best serve your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you.