The proliferation of new donors

Between 1990 and 2005 development assistance for health increased from US$2.5 billion to over US$13 billion. Much of this increase in funding has been directed at Global Health Partnerships (GHPs) that have formed in response to the shortcomings of traditional institutions and mechanisms to deliver aid effectively. Aid for health is provided by multiple sources including: 5 development banks, over 30 UN organisations, over 90 GHPs, 30 bi-laterals and thousands of non-governmental organisations.

See figure 1 for a graphical representation of the international development finance system.

GHPs are often alliances among multiple public and private sector organisations that seek to strengthen healthcare in developing countries through research and development, capacity building, advocacy, funding or specific disease specific interventions. Major GHPs include the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM).

GHPs have been successful in raising the profile and mobilising funding for under-resourced or neglected diseases and improving access to appropriate and affordable medicines and vaccines. GAVI has provided 15 million children with basic vaccines and increased the availability of safe injection equipment by delivering over a billion disposable syringes. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership has improved global political commitment to malaria through advocacy, and supported technological advancement in the development of long-lasting insecticide treated nets and new combination drug therapies.