[Underdevelopment and role of health assistance. The case of Equatorial Guinea]

The health-care problems of Equatorial Guinea and its health-care resources are analyzed to put them into the context of aid to developing nations, and to especially consider, the impact of Spanish Technological Cooperation, in particular. The parallel between goals of economic development and the development of health-care is so great in Equatorial Guinea that not even the structural change programs patronized by the International Monetary Fund have any effect on health-care expenses. The considerable uncertainty regarding the most suitable development strategy for Equatorial Guinea makes investments in human resources (health-care, education and self-sufficiency in food production) one of the most indisputable measures taken. The role of foreign aid, specifically that of Spain in Equatorial Guinea, has been considerable and is bound to increase, as it contributes effectively to development and can result in external benefits for the donor country.