This paper highlights the role of community prevention in improving overall health and in supporting health equity. By addressing the underlying causes of illness and injury, community prevention efforts can prevent illness and injury before they occur. The paper presents three frameworks that support quality community prevention efforts.

After years of frustration, polio is on the ropes. But we could still miss the historic opportunity to wipe it out for good.

Pronouncements about the ICDS scheme have to be juxtaposed against the grim reality of malnutrition. (Editorial)

The traditional medicines directive of the European Union is discriminatory. (Editorial)

Birth-cohort studies offer invaluable data on the links between childhood development and later life, but today's efforts could learn something from a pioneering project that turns 65 this week.

Most are likely to agree that the accompanying call for action towards achieving universal health care in India by 2020 (hereafter referred to as the call) is timely and overdue. However, we disagree with the call in two crucial areas.

To sustain the positive economic trajectory that India has had during the past decade, and to honour the fundamental right of all citizens to adequate health care, the health of all Indian people has to be given the highest priority in public policy.

Health policy in India, like all public policy, has always been the product of complex political processes.