There is an enormous amount to be learned from international comparison. Indeed, the raison d'etre of international organisations such as the IUHPE is, at least in part, to facilitate the exchange of information between countries. Comparison of health status can highlight priorities and serve as a catalyst for action. For example, awareness that the UK had the worst teenage pregnancy rates in western Europe prompted action to address the issue. Similarly, the North Karelia project in Finland was a response to the particularly high rates of coronary heart disease within the region.
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