Overview
This panel explores the role of public-private partnerships across Africa in a variety of settings and a number of different configurations including multiple party partnerships, the role of business coalitions and private sector-driven efforts to support community based initiatives. Merck will discuss their partnership with the Government of Botswana and the Gates Foundation; DaimlerChrysler will present their public-private partnership program in South Africa; the Institute of Human Virology will present their partnership with Futures Group/Constella in Nigeria and CIAN/SIDA Entreprises will focus on partnerships in Francophone Africa.

Speakers

• Samir Khalil, Executive Director, HIV Policy & External Affairs: Europe, Middle East and Africa Human Health, Merck & Co.
• Dr. Alash'le Abimiku, Institute of Human Virology, Assistant Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Prevention
• Dr. Andrea Knigge, Global Advisor for HIV/AIDS Strategy, DaimlerChrysler AG
• Thomas Miklavec and Julien Bonneville, Consultants with Sanisphere, representing CIAN/SIDA Entreprise

Moderator
Elizabeth Ashbourne, Senior Coordinator, Private Sector Partnerships, AIDS Campaign Team for Africa (ACTAfrica), The World Bank

Summary
Effective multi-sector partnerships are comprehensive and creative. Successful HIV/AIDS initiatives will complement existing national health strategies, while utilizing private sector business models in program development. National Business Coalitions against HIV/AIDS provide a platform for public-private sector dialogue and act as mechanisms to ensure understanding and shared responsibility among partners. However, as private sector, donor and even government priorities can often shift, embedding systems and programs within non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities will increase chances for sustainability.

Next steps

• Multinational companies should be encouraged to provide access to healthcare services not only to direct hire employees, but to company distributors, suppliers and contractors.
• Governments, NGOs and private sector partners (such as National Business Coalitions against HIV/AIDS) must work together to identify strategies to address the healthcare needs of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).
• National governments should consider supplementing its supply of ARVs by engaging private sector partners (namely pharmaceutical companies) and NGOs to avoid stock-outs.
• National governments should work with the private sector to provide access to insurance for SME employees so that issues of ARV access and other healthcare issues can be addressed. Schemes such as insurance pools or expanded access to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured need to be developed.