This paper addresses the progress made, and the problems that result from applying technical criteria to set health priorities in a more rational way. The usefulness of technically derived priorities depends largely on their political feasibility and the extent to which they reflect social values. The main focus of this paper is the application of explicit criteria to set health priorties in lending projects and sector work. Chapter II describes the main characteristics of the studies. Chapters III and IV focus on the evaluation of information, methods and indicators to set priorities and design packages of essential health services.
Chapter V reports on the main disease priorities and the results of cost effectiveness analyzes.
Finally, and lastly, Chapter VI identifies research and development needs to improve future studies. Several colleagues contributed to the analysis presented in this paper. Peter Cowley collaborated in the first inventory and assessment of health priorities studies, published in January 1995. Beatriz Zurita was responsible for the assessment of the cost-effectiveness analyzes and other issues on resource allocation. Adnan Hyder helped to evaluate the burden of disease component of the studies.