In the rationing of healthcare in indigent African populations, which services should come first?

Governments. worldwide, have enormous difficulties in affording adequate fu nds For healthcare and its maintenance In developing populations, almost al l of whom are indigent, the diverse health problems being faced with limite d funds are insufficiently appreciated. Information is given, for both dec- eloped and developing populations, principally: those in sub-Saharan Africa , regarding various countries' gross national product (GNP) per capita, the percentage of GNP devoted to health services, and the allocation of health funds per capita. To illustrate the formidable health problems prevailing some data are given on the magnitudes of morbidity/mortality situations, bo th for communicable and non-communicable diseases. Some examples are provid ed which exemplify opposing points of view regarding strongly contesting he alth claims for priorities in monetary support. Additionally!,examples are given of some impoverished countries, which, despite hightly adverse circum stances, have achieved enviable health statistics. In this respect it would be highly beneficial were the circumstances and means employed in these an d similar contexts gn-en aids publicity.