The dependence of modern medicine on laboratory services has increased enormously during the last 50 years. Rapid developments in this field present a challenge for standard setting and quality control.
The dependence of modern medicine on laboratory services has increased enormously during the last 50 years. Rapid developments in this field present a challenge for standard setting and quality control.
An outline is given of a round table process being used in many low-income countries to coordinate and strengthen the effectiveness of health aid.
The management capabilities and performance of a health system can be improved by strengthening the information system it uses. This involves determining the strengths and weaknesses of the health system itself and focusing on its least functional areas. The first step is to analyse services so as to ascertain requirements for information and indicators, with particular reference to the management of clients, health units and the health system as a whole.
What implications do the new multilateral trade agreements have for health and well-being? The relationship needs to be understood in order to put trade and health objectives into proper perspective. This introductory article looks at some of the areas in which international trade and public health interact.

