Edited by Paul A. Gaist, PhD, MPH
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Igniting the Power of Community: The Role of CBOs and NGOs in Global Public Health introduces readers to the pursuit and potential of community-based organizations and nongovernmental organizations to transform global public health. At a time of unprecedented challenge economic crises, social inequalities, environmental stressors, emerging health threats these organizations are driving change, often being the first to call attention to the issues and increasingly forging significant and sustainable solutions.

Igniting the Power of Community demonstrates why understanding the roles of the diverse organizations of this sector is vital to anyone concerned with improving health and public health today. This forward-thinking book explains how citizen sector organizations work, their immediate and long term impact on public health, and the key players and business dynamics involved. A sampling of the coverage:

The new era of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy

Sustainability in international public health NGOs

Front-line perspectives from both well-established and grassroots CBOs

Faith-based organizations and public health

NGOs and the military: evolving relationships in conflict and disaster zones

Understanding the environmental health movement and its impact

Whether you are involved in clinical care, health research, public health programs, or policy development and implementation, this book will serve as an invaluable resource in working most effectively with and within these dynamic organizations.

"The origins and impacts of health and disease exist in diverse communities throughout the world. Igniting the Power of Community clearly describes the organized response of persons and communities at all levels of society and the challenges they face in reaching their potential to have maximum impact on protecting and preserving the public health. An important book to read."James W. Curran, M.D., M.P.H., Dean, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

"This book is a guide to understanding, working with, and improving nongovernmental and community-based organizations. For those of us interested in improving the health of populations, Igniting the Power of Community should be required reading."Michael J. Klag, M.D., M.P.H., Dean, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health