Andresen, Astri et al. (eds.): International and Local Approaches to Health and Health CareApproaches to Health and Health CareDiseases do not naturally respect boundaries. Although their origins may be local, their diffusion often becomes international, borne by trade, war and other modes of human or animal contact. Combatting disease or promoting health is thus an international and a local matter. In the twentieth century international health organizations, both public and private, have greatly influenced the formulation of state health