A decade ago the US Institute of Medicine argued compellingly that it was no more than enlightened self interest for countries to invest in global health.1 Such investment would help to protect their own citizens from external threats, strengthen the global economy, and contribute to international security. In the intervening period, support for placing health at the centre of foreign policy has gathered momentum. Earlier this year the Global Health and Foreign Policy Initiative was established by a group of foreign ministers convened by the Norwegian and French governments,2 and in the United Kingdom Sir Liam Donaldson, the UK's chief medical adviser, has proposed a government-wide strategy for global health.3

The British proposals identify five reasons for promoting global health. These are to improve global security and health protection, enhance sustainable development, improve trade by promoting health as a commodity, …