Global initiatives and Public Private Partnerships

The major communicable diseases of poverty, especially AIDS, TB and malaria, cause over six million deaths annually, with devastating social and economic impacts. Historically, efforts to tackle the major diseases affecting developing countries have been poorly co-ordinated and financed, resulting in fragmented programmes at country level. Anti-microbial resistance is increasing, while research and development into new drugs has remained inadequate. The eradication of these diseases can be defined as a global public good – where prevention and control activities have substantial cross border benefits.

During the last decade, the global community has recognised the causal links between illhealth, poverty and weak economic growth. The effects of globalisation - growing international migration and economic interdependence - mean that the major diseases of poverty are becoming global priorities. In response, new global initiatives, involving new public and private sector partners, have been set up to provide strong international co-ordination and to mobilise additional finance and skills.

OECD governments and international bodies such as the World Bank have stepped up investments in these areas. New private sector allies have entered the field – especially the philanthropic foundations and pharmaceutical companies. They are forming new international public-private sector partnerships to undertake a wide range of activities, such as research and development of health products, distributing donated or subsidised products, strengthening health service delivery and access to drugs, educating the public, and financing and co-ordinating disease control with national partners.

Below we've selected some of the key areas within this topic and have highlighted a number of recommended readings for each. The accompanying search links take you to more key documents in each area.