The importance of health and its relationship to personal and community life are explored in this issue of PROBE. Designed to acquaint British secondary school youth with topical problems, the series contains discussion and case studies of national and world issues, followed by questions for student discussion and research. Nine chapters comprise this issue on health. A review of the history of medicine shows that progress in prevention and treatment of disease was limited before 1800. Since then, increases in research, and improvements in cleanliness and nutrition have dramatically contributed toward improved health in Britain and in the world. However, inequalities still exist in health care funding and facilities. Poverty, malnutrition, and illiteracy must be overcome on a world scale to promote understanding of the causes and preventions of disease. Case studies in India, South America, and China illustrate effective rural education projects to help peasants become more self-reliant in reducing disease. Community planning and family support are crucial to health. Unequal land ownership and overpopulation in many developing countries must be overcome. The author believes World Bank calculations show that if 5% less were spent on world armaments by all nations, that money could provide significantly better food, water, housing, and education on a world scale for the next ten years. (AV)