Table 1.

Basic postulates and assertions regarding policy and programmes for the public health in developing countries

1. The formulation of policy related to the health of the public is more difficult and sensitive than in other areas of the public domain.

2. These policy formulations are more difficult in settings in which the populations are of low income, low educational attainment, and geographic and ethnic diversity, such as in developing countries in the tropics.

3. The execution of effective intervention programmes is even more difficult than the formulation of the underlying policy.

4. Policy and programmes based on evidence are better than those not based on evidence.

5. The monitoring and evaluation of policy and programme impacts is most often left undone, and often with untoward consequences for the underlying goals and aspirations.