Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/webinar-new-definition-global-health
Dear Jessica and all,
We look forward to the upcoming webinar: Evolving Definitions of Global Health, February 19, 2026 03:00 PM Eastern Time
I note the new definition has been articulated in Global Health Research and Policy:
'Global health is a field of academic study, research, policy, and applied practice that advances the equitable protection and improvement of population and planetary health. Our "5 Ps model" illustrates global health as a grid that places health for all at the center of two axes representing four domains: (1) People, (2) Planet, (3) Priorities, and (4) Policies and Practices.'
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41146361/
For me, the current definition of global health (The Lancet, 2009) resonates more. This defines global health simply as "an area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide".
The Lancet definition focuses absolutely on the health of people.
I see planetary health as a determinant of global (human) health, rather than as part of the definition of global health.
I have registered for the webinar and look forward to it.
Meanwhile, I encourage HIFA members to share your thoughts on the topic: hifa@hifaforums.org
Many thanks, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org