Islamset - The Role of the Private Sector: Why do we need financial resources? , What Resource do we have? Advantages and drawbacks of working with the private sector, Why does Private Secto need us? How can we overcome the drawbacks of collaboration?

Proceedings INGCAT International
NGO MObilisation Meeting
Geneva, 15-16 May, 1999.

The Role of the Private Sector
Prof. Elif Dagli ,
Head of Pulmonary Peadiatrics,
Marmara University Hospital, Turkey

Summary
Collaboration between the health sector and the private sector from the point of view of a health organization presents many important advantages. Using the example of a health oriented conference; the need for funding from the private sector can be pressing. Conferences can serve both the health professionals and the pharmaceutical companies as a major vehicle for exchanging new information. However, there are important responsibilities and needs on both sides which must be recognised and dealt with.

Why do we need financial resources?
Organisations that work in tobacco control or related health fields need financing to fulfil basic needs, including the education and training of advocates, the possibility of exchanging ideas and information through meetings and information through meetings and conferences, the means to proceed public health education and contacts with the press, decision makers and the general public to counteract tobacco industry strategies.

What resources do we have?
Funding is sometimes available from foundations and societies that have related interests. Governments may subsidise campaigns or research. Funds can be raised form membership subscriptions or donations. But this type of funding may not be adequate.

For example, the budget of an international original conference might include expenses for speakers and guests, mailing and printing costs, technical equipment, and rental of the congress hall and a social programme. Income can come from membership fees and registration fees, but these will not cover all expenses. Up to 45% of costs may need to be covered by funding mostly from the private sector, through exhibits, advertising and sponsorship

Advantages and drawbacks of working with the private sector
If both the public health sector and the private sector are concerned about increasing public awareness of an issue, sponsorship or educational grants are mutually satisfactory, and can permit the following sorts of activities: public health education programmes, counter advertising, holding meetings, printing documents.

However, drawbacks for the public health community can occur if
The fact of private sector funding causes avoidance of confrontation with tobacco industry strategies;
Smoking is promoted in any way to increase market share for the private sector involved;
Unacceptable advertising strategies are tied to the collaboration;
The private sector monitors or manipulates the scientific agenda, or determines the objectives of the health body receiving the funds;
In any other way concerns are elicited about the ethics of the collaboration.

Why does the private sector need us?
To be most efficient in achieving their own goals, the private sector needs the health community. We know the people they need to work with. We're the ones who organise the conferences, which will gather these people together. We have the experience and "know how" for smoking cessation and we have the patients. The private sector needs reliable and prestigious figures behind their products, and these people come from our community.

How can we overcome the drawbacks of collaboration?
The private sector must understand that we have to work against the tobacco industry. The activities of the private sector must be controlled at scientific meetings and events. As well, the level of sponsoring should be monitored, and unethical or unacceptable action on either side must be condemned. Both sides must accept that the phenomenon of "marriage" is difficult and requires compromise.