The real health crisis is occurring silently in the developing world where infectious and nutritional diseases are preventing full expression of genetic potential and shortening life by one-third. The advances made in biotechnology over the last 10 years can now lead to breakthroughs as the biology of infectious agents and the host immune system are explored. Funding agencies and governments in developing countries should increase their support of collaborative research designed to improve world health, and health care professionals should work together to support their colleagues in developing areas who have potential interest in research careers. Scientists in the United States and Canada, regardless of the specific nature of their investigative activities, should initiate a scientific relationship with colleagues in developing countries. Given the scarce resources available, research teams using new techniques and identifying cost-effective interventions will point the way to improved world health.