First published in 1973, this well-established textbook offers medical students and junior doctors a readable introduction to the principles of public health with special reference to situations in the developing countries of the tropics. This fifth edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect recent advances in public health. It retains the popular approach of previous editions in stressing basic principles illustrated by selected examples pertinent to the regions in question. The book focuses on both communicable and non-communicable diseases and covers gender-specific issues as well as health systems, health promotion, and health economics.