Practice Areas

International Health

International Health

Private Sector Health

doctors

Most consumers in much of the developing world rely on the private sector as their main source of health care. The private sector is large and diverse, encompassing a wide range of for-profit and non-profit entities. Private, for-profit practitioners — including midwives, doctors, pharmacists, product manufacturers and distributors, shopkeepers, and traditional healers — are often the leading providers of health products and services across all income groups. However, public health program planning often doesn’t consider private sector providers despite their varied and critical role in health systems. 

Abt Associates’ thoughtful engagement of the private sector in meeting health challenges helps to reduce the burden on government health workers and improve targeting of public health resources to meet the needs of the poorest populations. Private sector partnerships also present the opportunity to leverage resources, introduce innovative tools and solutions, and expand the sustainability of public health interventions.
 
Abt staff has worked on some of the most important private sector health initiatives of the past 25 years. Abt leads the Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) project, USAID’s flagship project in private sector health. Abt also leads  the Private Sector Health project in Ethiopia, and the recently completed the 4th Sector Health Project.
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Projects

  • The Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) project is USAID's flagship initiative in private sector health. It works to involve nongovernmental organizations and for-profit entities in addressing the many health needs of people in developing countries. SHOPS focuses on increasing availability, improving quality, and expanding coverage of essential health products and services in family planning and reproductive health, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and other health areas through the private sector.
  • 4th Sector Health is an Associate Award to USAID's Health Systems 20/20 Project, also led by Abt Associates. 4th Sector Health takes full advantage of Abt’s expertise in strengthening health systems, working effectively with the private sector in health, and creating successful public-private partnerships. The project builds on our extensive experience providing technical assistance, building local capacity, and contributing to improving health and health systems through comprehensive USAID health programs and regional initiatives.




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