Merson (global health, Duke U.) et al. provide public health students around the world with a comprehensive textbook on global health that contains 18 chapters contributed by an international group of public and global health specialists. It focuses on diseases, programs, health systems, and health policies in low and middle-income countries, with examples from the US, Europe, and other high-income countries when appropriate. Chapters cover the use of quantitative indicators for decision making; important social, cultural, and behavioral parameters; reproductive health, infectious diseases, and nutrition challenges; new priorities like chronic diseases, injury, mental health, and environmental health; complex emergencies; the development and implementation of health systems; health and the economy; global cooperation in international public health; and the effects of globalization. This edition has new chapters on the social determinants of health, pharmaceuticals, and the evaluation of large-scale problems. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)