Improving Global Health ─ Forecasting the Next 50 Years

This is the third volume in a series (Patterns of Potential Human Progress) emanating from the Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures at the U. of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies. All five authors (one of whom, Barry B. Hughes, is the series editor) are affiliated with the Center, where the International Futures project has developed over several decades. Its aim is to create the capacity to forecast the future of key global issues and envision alternatives, employing open, transparent forecasting tools. Devoted to health, this volume begins with context (the story so far) and then presents discussion of health in terms of measures, outcomes, and drivers such as income, education, and time, among other topics. Subsequent chapters address forecasting models, the current path, and various risk factors (e.g. childhood undernutrition, obesity, tobacco use, and environmental pollution. A great deal of information is presented in figures and tables. This is a volume of primary interest to policy makers involved with all levels and facets of health planning. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)