International Trade Agreements and Global Health: Pathways and Politics

Abstract

The commitments that states make within international trade and investment agreements have both direct and indirect effects on the health of the population. For example, these treaties can influence food environments and dietary health, regulatory policy space for alcohol control measures, as well as costs of medicines and access to healthcare. This chapter provides an introduction to the international trade and investment regime and how it intersects with important issues in global health including access to medicines and health services, noncommunicable diseases, and the broader social determinants of health, including the environment. It will introduce readers to the key elements of trade and investment agreements, the impacts they can have, and the risks and opportunities for improving health and health equity. This chapter will also provide a political economy analysis of trade and investment agreements to reveal vested interests in the system and the dynamics of negotiations. Finally, it will review advances that have been made around the protection of public health as a result of significant efforts from health and trade advocacy groups and introduce ideas for further reform to support a global health agenda.