[A global challenge in the debate on priorities].

The authors discuss and summarise an international report, "Investing in Health Research and Development", which considers research needs based on an analysis of the burden of disease, measured mainly in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The report is to be accompanied by a 10-volume series called Global Burden of Disease and Injury Series. One of the authors (Lie) was a member of the committee that published the report. Another (Godal) headed the secretariat that supported the committee in its work. The report and the accompanying books of background material are expected to be useful in the years to come for funding agencies and governments, both in rich and in poor countries, when deciding what should be supported by way of research and how the health services should be organised. The authors discuss the content of the report and its possible implications for colleagues, research, international development assistance agencies, and health service planners in Norway.