Researchers from the Unit are examining the impact of global trade policies on health, inequalities and environmental sustainability through a series of case studies. These studies illustrate the potential effects of the trade treaties currently under negotiation within the World Trade Organisation. The findings highlight the complexity of links between globalisation, global trade, health and sustainable development, and suggest that existing 'free trade' agreements and their planned extensions may not benefit countries in terms of sustainability and well-being. The use of these agreements to undermine or oppose local, national and international protocols on health and environmental protection is of particular concern. As a consequence of our work in this area we are developing focused collaborative work with WHO in Rome, Friends of the Earth and with research groups in Argentina and South Africa.
Preliminary results are negative.
Two projects were completed demonstrating socioeconomic inequalities in the UK in the prevalence of some congenital anomalies and cerebral palsy, addressing important gaps in our knowledge of these conditions.