World Trade Organisation agreements should be subject to health impact assessment

EDITOR—Drager's editorial reminds us that the international agreements negotiated in the World Trade Organisation have wide ranging implications for public health.1 The agreements are enforceable, unlike other international agreements on the environment, human rights, and social welfare. Governments can be challenged for implementing laws intended to protect public health if they restrict free trade. In settlements of World Trade Organisation disputes so far, trade issues have …