Global health is the
health of populations in a global context; it has been defined as "the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in
health for all people worldwide". Problems that transcend national borders or have a global political and economic impact are often emphasized. Thus, global health is about worldwide health improvement, reduction of disparities, and protection against global threats that disregard national borders. Global health is not to be confused with
international health, which is defined as the branch of
public health focusing on developing nations and foreign aid efforts by industrialized countries.