Written by authors who speak directly from their years of personal and professional experience with health projects in Africa, this book provides an integrated historical, social, political, economic, and health introduction to a series of African countries. It also offers a comprehensive view of major health issues for those aiming to undertake humanitarian and global health work in Africa. In the introductory chapter, the editors discuss the concepts of globalism and humanitarianism, and provide a framework for thinking about global health. They introduce readers to significant aspects of African history and agencies that play major roles in global health work in Africa. The “Tips for Travelers to Africa” chapter provides a wealth of information on preparing for travel to Africa and working successfully and effectively in African cultures. Individual chapters on Botswana, Ghana, The Maghreb, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda focus on key health or environmental issues, projects, and solutions unique to each country. Written jointly by U.S. and African medical personnel participating in major health initiatives, the chapters offer vibrant accounts of work on leading causes of disease and death or environmental problems.

LAUREL A. SPIELBERG, an epidemiologist and social worker, has spent nearly 40 years in a wide variety of positions in public health and social work in the United States and Canada. She served as research assistant professor in the Department of Community and Family Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School. LISA V. ADAMS is a physician and researcher, who has worked in domestic and international tuberculosis control for over 15 years. She directs Dartmouth’s Global Health Initiative at the Dickey Center for International Understanding and Dartmouth Medical School.