Many people have borrowed money to buy supplies, equipment, or a house.
Countries do the same.
Like individuals, countries pay back the principal and interest on the loans they take out. But there are important differences. If a person borrows money, he or she receives the money directly and pays it back according to the terms and conditions of the loan. But if a country borrows money, the citizens are not necessarily notified or informed of the purpose of the loan or its terms and conditions. Poor developing countries typically pay much more to service their debts than they do for public health efforts, such as this clinic.