<p>While altruism may generally be a stated purpose for many approaches and interventions in human health, it is widely acknowledged that trade and economic interest are the stronger driving forces shaping public health policy and innovation. What is less known is how this inseparable relationship between trade, intellectual property and public health evolved through history, and how one continues to shape the other. In fact, global legal instruments, regulations and treaties governing trade have emerged as the strongest influences on public health policy and governance. The international patent regime, supported by the national legislations on patent protection, determine access to medicines and health services. Innovation is of critical importance in public health, especially against the background of unknown emerging pathogens. Therefore, the importance of intellectual property could hardly be overstated. Preservation, documentation and application of public health knowledge would not be complete without a corresponding appreciation of international trade treaties. Public Health is, perhaps, the only book that provides rich information and answers to each and every aspect of this vast and complex field: an A to Z of public health through the labyrinth of international trade and innovation regimes.</p>
