[Selection of priorities in public health (author's transl)]

Identification of priorities is a major factor in an public health programme. We should avoid making a selection of priorities on a subjective basis, or basing a decision on temporary situations or the desire of influential personalities confusing personal interests with true priorities. The choice of priorities in health care must take into account two essential factors: 1) The impact of a disease on the population. It can be evaluated by studying:--the mortality rate and the increased life expectation resulting from the suppression of the disease;--the incidence of the disease;--the temporary or the permanent disablement it causes;--the incidence of complications. 2) The possibility of success of health programmes. The possibility of success depends on many factors: technical, logistic, political and psychological, which should be analysed in depth before establishing any priority programme. A public health programme can only be given priority rating when it combines maximum impact on the population with the highest chance of success. Priority rating can be attributed to a public health programme only when long term impact on the population and successful achievement can be combined.