A new health opportunity

David E. Bloom and David Canning argue that there are three types ofjustification for improving health: health is a human right, it is a vital social goal, and it is important to economic success. An exploration of each of these areas indicates that health improvements rely on social choices and political priorities. Investment in health, especially when targeted at the poor, can stimulate virtuous cycles of development. More attention must be given to the reform process and to setting priorities for investment in health. Implementation and management of change is at least as important as the content of a health reform initiative. © 2001 The Society for International Development.