Multinationals and the for-profit sector evoke a range of responses from public health professionals - from enthusiasm through to distain and anger. Several sessions at the conferences of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) and of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 2010 addressed issues related to multinationals, trade and public-private partnerships. However, there was no representation from the for-profit sector at any of these events. This commentary argues that, regardless of whether public health professionals agree or disagree with the actions of multinationals, maintaining a dialogue with them is essential. Recommendations are given for engaging effectively with the for-profit sector.
The benefits and risks of Public Private Partnerships [PPP] in public health. Workshop presented at: 20th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion; Geneva, Switzerland. July 11–15, 2010.
2.
Building high impact partnerships for health, equity and sustainable development. Sub-plenary session presented at: 20th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion; Geneva, Switzerland. July 11–15, 2010.
Franco-ParedesCZeuliJHernandez-RamosISantos-PreciadoJI. Preserving idealism in global health promotion. Glob Health Promot. 2010; 17(4): 57–60.
11.
OECD. StatExtracts Database: ODA total net disbursements from all donors to Papua New Guinea for 2005-2009. 2011[Internet]. Available from: http://stats.oecd.org
WiistB. Trade, social justice and the health of indigenous peoples. Oral session presented at: APHA 138th Annual Meeting & Expo; Denver, Colorado, USA. Nov 6–10, 2010.
