Contents -- Introduction -- Background -- Objectives -- The scope of VPH in the twenty-first century -- New and future trends that will influence VPH -- Organization and management of VPH services and programmes -- Professional development and utilization of VPH staff -- Conclusions and recommendations -- Acknowledgements -- References -- Annex 1 VPH programmes and activities at the international and national level -- Annex 2 VPH in disasters in developing countries -- Annex 3 Contact addresses of selected relevant international institutions.