Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2007; 35(Suppl 70)

Global economic development has had major positive impacts on public health in many parts of the world. Improved economic conditions can lift communities up from abject poverty via expanded agriculture, industrial development and improved access to markets. But globalisation has not benefited everyone; economic inequalities between and within countries are actually increasing. Economic development in itself is not enough to improve health and wellbeing for all people. Specific policies and actions to improve living and working conditions have to be properly financed, implemented and organised.