ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors provide three strands of development as of particular importance: to know the levels, trends, and distributions of health in human populations; to understand the determinants of these different aspects of health; and to allocate resources effectively for improving health. A commitment to explicit health goals is one source of pressure for better health information, but there are others. Many government policies and activities outside ministries of health nonetheless have health effects. In general, quantitative data on the health of individuals can be derived from either of two quite different sources. The importance of health information is illustrated in the recent official statements of health goals in a number of jurisdictions. Physicians are at the centre of many of the information flows pertinent to health. A great deal of research and analysis is required to support the information needs listed above, and this should be made explicit.
