Springer Concepts and Practice of Humanitarian Medicine

This book seeks to define the field of humanitarian medicine. It gathers new and previously-published articles and speeches that set out the principles of humanitarian medicine, starting with the idea of health as a human right, and examining topics such as quality of life, torture, and nuclear conflict. The book takes a historical view and its contributors include Nobel laureates Kofi Annan and Joseph Rotblat. Review From the reviews: "This book describes diverse elements of medicine and public health under the category of humanitarian medicine. Ranging from disaster relief efforts to nuclear nonproliferation to providing care to people in poverty, this work highlights activities of the United Nations and World Health Organization in these areas. … the audience would appear to be readers with a specific interest in the evolution of the International Association for Humanitarian Medicine and the promotion of medical efforts by the World Health Organization." (Samuel Dorevitch, Doody’s Review Service, September, 2008) "A comprehensive, multiauthored review of the concepts of humanitarian medicine and the role of medicine in the international community. ... The text is readable with practical applications to many of the problems faced by the public health community. ... Recommended Readership: All physicians with an interest in public health, especially those who practice in areas of developing health care." (Paul Y. Takahashi, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Vol. 83 (4), April, 2008) From the Back Cover Concepts and Practice of Humanitarian Medicine Edited by S. William A. Gunn and Michele Masellis, International Association for Humanitarian Medicine, Switzerland   As major events like war, epidemics, and climate change continue to push global health issues to the fore, the international medical community is called upon more than ever to address the needs of the most vulnerable. Concepts and Practice of Humanitarian Medicine brings public health and human rights concerns together, uniting medical, scientific, sociopolitical, and historical perspectives to reaffirm this vision. Forty-one essays from 33 international contributors set out the principles of humanitarian medicine, beginning with the concept of health as a human right, and examining topics such as quality of life, torture, and nuclear conflict. The book draws on important treaties and conventions throughout the history of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, and pays tribute to the efforts of individuals and organizations working to correct health inequities worldwide. A sampling of the topics: The potential of humanitarian medicine in torture prevention and intervention. The varied roles of international and nongovernmental agencies in humanitarian medicine. Critical issues specific to women, children, migrants, refugees, and the poor. Health effects in an increasingly nuclear world. Applications of humanitarian medicine in specialized areas such as heart surgery and trauma. Already acclaimed when first published as the pioneering book, Humanitarian Medicine, this new edition includes 14 additional thought-provoking chapters. The contributors are all major world figures in health and human rights, including Nobel Laureates Kofi Annan and Sir Joseph Rotblat. For those committed to the new health frontiers around the world―particularly researchers, professionals, social scientists, and policymakers in public health, global health, and human rights―Concepts and Practice of Humanitarian Medicine is both informative and empowering reading.   Reviews of the first edition: "Challenging… Providing much food for thought. The prestigious authors add to the uniqueness of the publication." –WHO, Health Action in Crises   "A galaxy of authors that includes three Nobel Laureates, two Secretaries-General of the United Nations, and two Directors-General of the World Health Organization promises a book