IFGH 2010: Private healthcare augmenting public health

Although much of the attention on health care in sub-Saharan Africa centers on government activity, the private sector plays a surprisingly significant and growing role in meeting the regionʼs health care needs.

International Research found that the increasing demand for health care due to improved economic growth across much of the region could translate into $20 billion of additional investment in the regionʼs private-sector health care infrastructure in the coming decade. The findings suggest opportunities for private enterprise to help improve the regionʼs woefully poor health outcomes. At the same time, the research also highlights challenges—such as inconsistent quality of care, health worker shortages, and inadequate regulation—that must be addressed if the private sector is to most effectively benefit the health of Africaʼs people.

Right to Sight has piloted a private-private partnership model in providing eye care services in Democratic Republic of Congo. A private business concern in Lubumbashi with catalystic support from right to sight has established an eye hospital in Lubumbashi which is providing high volume, high quality and self sustainable eye care services. This pilot would provide road map for many private partnerships to have eye care services in Africa leading towards the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness by 2020.