Devex: Opinion: Global health — why we need win-win solutions
Neven Mimica, E.U. commissioner for international cooperation and development

“…[I]ncreased engagement with the private sector offers incredible opportunities and at the same time carries risks. … That is why it is all the more important to look out for win-win situations … We always analyze very closely when private involvement in the health sector is beneficial and how potential risks have to be addressed. When doing so, we consider the following three issues: 1. Will private involvement benefit the health system and promote [universal health coverage (UHC)] beyond the life cycle of a specific joint initiative by the public hand and the private sector? 2. Can the involvement of the private sector help to address very specific challenges — such as antimicrobial resistance, access to affordable medicines and vaccines, or mental health — in a sustainable way, and thus complement the existing health system? 3. What type of oversight and governance should our partner countries’ ministries of health or associated agencies provide in order to maximize benefit and minimize harm? And in the long run, how can they do so with their own resources and independently of development assistance. Bearing all of this in mind, we should welcome and encourage the private sector to propose and participate in innovative solutions towards UHC…” (6/26).