Have international trade agreements been good for your health?

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature concerning impact on public health of the dispute resolution system in international trade agreements. Its purpose is to alert readers about controversial aspects of ISDS in these international agreements, aspects that are well-documented in publications likely unfamiliar to most public health professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a narrative review. Findings – While trade agreements offer potential economic benefits overall, the history thus far regarding impact on public health is worrisome. It is not difficult to find examples that deter public health from achieving important health protection regulation. Practical implications – There are over 3,000 existing international trade agreements with more on the horizon. New proposed agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership increase the number of countries involved; inconsistencies and lack of adequate transparency puts much at stake. Originality/value – It is doubtful that the global public health communities, including both public health agencies and academic public health institutions, have sufficiently been involved as stakeholders in past and pending trade agreements.