Globalization and health: The paradox of the periphery

The impact of globalization on health is complex, both positively and negatively. Benefits include improved medical technology and services, but globalization also has promoted patterns of dependency, development, settlement, and lifestyles that have been detrimental to health. This paper draws examples from the small island nations of the Pacific to show how globalization impacts environmental health, health service delivery, and lifestyles. It shows that, paradoxically, in the smallest and most remote nations the negative impacts of globalization are felt most strongly in urban areas where living standards might appear to be highest.