Examining the Growing Role of the Private Sector in Global Health

On October 26, CapacityPlus and other Private Sector Working Group (PSWG) members discussed the growing role of the private sector in health, and addressed the group’s priorities.

From 2005-2009, PSWG operated under the sponsorship of the USAID-funded private-sector program, PSP-One. This year the USAID-funded Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector project relaunched the group with an expanded membership base—including USAID, its implementing partners, and multilaterals and foundations such as the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

The PSWG works with the private health sector in family planning and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and other health services to improve implementation of private-sector programs in health, foster acceptance of and support for them, and advance knowledge on successful models of private-sector engagement.

During the October 26 meeting participants raised questions regarding issues of greatest importance and the best activities to contribute to the group’s goals. An online survey will solicit additional feedback from members.

To date the PSWG has focused on service delivery and medical supplies. CapacityPlus recommended that the PSWG expand its focus to include the private sector’s role in other elements of the health system, including the health workforce.
 

Photo by Trevor Snapp. (Training at Gao Nursing School, Mali)