Private support of public health

Abstract

Private funding of public health is well established. These additional resources have historically made a substantial contribution by focusing attention and catalysing investments to build public health capacity globally. Private investment has been pivotal in increasing access to available vaccines, treatment services, and innovations in otherwise neglected diseases that contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality rates in resource-constrained settings. The increase in public–private sector partnerships highlight emerging novel approaches to advancing global public health through innovation in research and product development and service delivery for new and re-emerging diseases. Recently a new group of billionaire philanthropists such as Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, still young and giving while they are alive, have changed the character and scope of giving. However, some giving can inadvertently be associated with negative consequences for the recipients. This chapter provides an overview of the history and current practices and impact of private giving, reflects on the benefits and challenges, and suggests how private investments could more effectively contribute to address the public health challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.