Carl Taylor's contribution to social justice through the promotion of integration, equity and empowerment in global health and community-based primary health care

Carl Taylor was an outspoken advocate for social justice in health, as manifested by his seminal support for the Declaration of Alma Ata and Health for All and his support and encouragement to those who struggled to implement these ideals. Rajanikant and Mabelle Arole were two such beneficiaries of Carl Taylor's mentorship. Social justice through the promotion of integration, equity and empowerment became central tenets of the work of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India, which is celebrating its 40th year of service in 2010. Carl Taylor provided inspiration and guidance to the Aroles as students and later as program implementers and leaders – a mentorship that lasted until Carl Taylor's death earlier this year. Integration, equity and empowerment are all central routes to social justice through health programs even though funding and policies in global public health have often promoted highly selective interventions and inequitable facility-based programs that benefit the better off, and approaches that disempower local communities and the poorest of the poor. As the limitations of these funding mechanisms and policies in global public health become ever more apparent, the legacy of Carl Taylor will shine ever more brightly through his pioneering leadership, teaching, research, advocacy, and mentorship.