The role of the private sector in noncommunicable disease prevention and management in low-and middle-income countries: a series of systematic reviews and thematic syntheses

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of death globally, disproportionately affecting low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study conducts six systematic reviews and thematic syntheses to investigate the for-profit private sector's role in NCD prevention and management in LMICs, using a framework with six pillars: public-private partnerships (PPPs), governance and policy, healthcare provision, innovation, knowledge education, and investment and finance. The reviews identified various themes within each pillar, revealing both positive and negative impacts of private sector involvement, highlighting the need for balanced policies to leverage benefits while mitigating conflicts of interest.

Keiko Marshall, Philippa Beaden, Hammad Durrani, Kun Tang, Roman Mogilevskii, Zulfiqar Bhutta