Global action on the social determinants of health.

Action on the social determinants of health (SDH) is required to reduce inequities in health. This article summarises global progress, largely in terms of commitments and strategies. It is clear that there is widespread support for a SDH approach across the world, from global political commitment to within country action.

Is it all right for women to drink small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy? No.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence draft guidance on drinking during pregnancy has added to confusion about safety. believes that telling women to abstain is overly paternalistic on current evidence, but and argue that this is the safest message

Bioterrorism: how should doctors respond to the threat of biological weapons?

Planning for the threat of a biological weapons attack includes preparations to recognize and identify an attack and its scale. Training is the key element of any response, but it is not possible for any health service to maintain sufficient extra capacity to deal with a massive bioterrorist threat. Training must include both first- and second-line responders.