Examines the need for better integration of the public health sector with other sectors in the society. Critically examines the health status of the Jamaican population, the socio-economic environment and the development of health policy between 1950 and 1983. Five areas were researched for intersectoral co-ordination: Basic Services Programme for children jointly sponsored by UNICEF, PAHO and Government of Jamaica; the Pesticides Advisory Committee concerned with utilization of chemical and pesticides as it relates to plant protection, food storage and public health; the Nutrition Advisory Council which co-ordinates the development of food and nutrition policies; methods used for the efficient delivery of water; and methods used in the process of collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education as attempts are made to include health concepts in school curricula and programmes. Concludes that almost all the projects and activities investigated have not performed as expected.

Recommendations include the following:

1) clear goals and task specifications before the execution of any project or programme; 2) a common understanding and expectation of desired goals and objectives; 3) paying greater attention to the incorporation of potential beneficiaries into the planning and design stages of programmes.