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

Governments, worldwide, have enormous difficulties in affording adequate funds for healthcare and its maintenance. In developing populations, almost all of whom are indigent, the diverse health problems being faced with limited funds are insufficiently appreciated. Information is given, for both developed 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, both for communicable and non-communicable diseases. Some examples are provided which exemplify opposing points of view regarding strongly contesting health claims for priorities in monetary support. Additionally, examples are given of some impoverished countries, which, despite highly adverse circumstances, have achieved enviable health statistics. In this respect it would be highly beneficial were the circumstances and means employed in these and similar contexts given wide publicity.