Health Diplomacy and the Enduring Relevance of Foreign Policy Interests

The public health community has seized upon the concept of health diplomacy to raise the profile of health in the practice of foreign policy. Diverse definitions of health diplomacy represent divergent perspectives on the use and political neutrality of health interventions. Foreign policy priorities often determine political priority and funding for global health issues. The use of health interventions by states and non-state actors to achieve ulterior foreign policy objectives is a controversial but growing part of health diplomacy. Foreign policy interests are critical to understanding global health diplomacy. © 2010 Feldbaum, Michaud.