Think globally and act locally: Reflection and revelations

Think Globally, Act Locally,' a popular adage in public health, is readily and widely applied to diverse issues such as climate change, health care reform, disease prevention programs, and health systems strengthening. While the adage has gained acceptance among the professionals and the public, several questions come up with its application. Are we, as public health professionals, expected to apply it contextually or universally? Is it acceptable to reverse the process (i.e., ‘think locally, act globally') and the ensuing outcome? Could ‘glocalization' and ‘reverse innovation' co-exist? This paper explores several vignettes in public health and healthcare to offer insights related to these intriguing queries. These practical vignettes include: i) how to translate population-based risk data to individuals needing health care (i.e., ‘think population, treat individual'); and ii) if all healthcare is local, is it meaningful to look for global solutions. Audience engagement and feedback on the analysis are anticipated.