About the GHG's Health Systems Initiative

Health infrastructure across the developing world is in poor repair and is increasingly insufficient to meet the needs of a growing population. This is exacerbated by the epidemiological transition occurring in many developing countries, and the fact that national governments do not have the resources to maintain and expand infrastructure commensurate with need. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are one way to attract private sector expertise to help solve this problem.

Public-Private Investment Partnerships (PPIPs) are a form of PPP through which private partners make up-front investments in infrastructure that are repaid by government over the mid- to long- term, contemporaneous with a service provision contract. The combination of investment and service provision makes the project more attractive to both private investors and government purchasers, giving more control over facilities to the former, and leveraging private monies for the latter. The service provision component has the potential to bring private management to bear on the most important cost and quality aspects of healthcare provision, and the significant investment required also increases the commitment of the private partners.

The Health Systems Initiative is working to document, evaluate, and eventually disseminate, experiences with PPIPs in both low- and middle-income countries.

"Public-Private Investment Partnerships in Developing Countries Health Systems Strengthening" Conference
Wilton Park, UK – April 9-11, 2008

60 representatives from developing country governments, the healthcare and finance sectors, academia, and international donor agencies convened at Wilton Park, United Kingdom in April 2008 to discuss the role of PPIPs in strengthening health infrastructure and service provision in developing countries. The conference was co-hosted by the GHG and The Healthcare Redesign Group, Inc.

Wilton Park Conference Report
Wilton Park Conference Program
Conference Papers
Wilton Park Website

Private Sector Resource Website

This web site provides an overview of private sector participation in developing country health care, with links to current programs, implementing agencies, and relevant documentation.

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