The Struggle for Health: A Revolutionary Approach to Understanding Ill Health and Achieving Health for All

By David Sanders, Wim De Ceukelaire, and Barbara Hutton

The first edition of The Struggle for Health, published in 1985, was a groundbreaking book that offered a broader and deeper political understanding of ill health, moving beyond the traditional medical model of care. The book was widely acclaimed by those seeking to address the root causes of ill health and promote health for all. This second edition, published by Oxford University Press in 2023, builds upon the original work and includes new topics that have emerged since the 1980s, such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other epidemics, as well as the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

New Challenges and Opportunities in Global Health

The second edition examines the health impacts of globalization, focusing on the food and pharmaceutical value chains, and considers the consequences of climate change on the health of populations. Despite these new challenges, the core message of the book remains unchanged: achieving Health for All requires a more equitable distribution of wealth, resources, and power.

A Critical Approach to Understanding Ill Health

The Struggle for Health takes a critical approach to understanding ill health, moving beyond the limitations of the medical model of care. The book asks key questions: Why do people, especially children, still die in large numbers from preventable diseases? Why is appropriate healthcare not available to every individual in the world? What changes can be made to improve this situation?

A Call to Action for Health Justice and Equity

This edition presents a strengthened call to action, building upon the original work and advocating for systemic changes to ensure justice and equity in health for all. The book provides a narrative that begins with diseases, describes historical trends, and examines the limitations of the medical model of care. At each juncture, it challenges readers to think critically about the root causes of ill health and the necessary steps to achieve Health for All.

Product Details: Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2nd edition (April 26, 2023); Language: English; Paperback: 352 pages; ISBN-10: 0192858459; ISBN-13: 978-0192858450