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Is the Private Sector Changing Global Health Priorities?
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Is the Private Sector Changing Global Health Priorities?

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In the developing world, the benefactors increasingly picking up the tab are multi-national corporations, the very companies targeted by the World Health Organization in the 1970's and 80's for private sector excesses that led to many global health problems, including pesticide poisoning and tobacco consumption. Guest host Sara Terry examines what's changed in the past 30 years -- and who benefits. Also, the Super Committee on the brink of failure, and in Cairo, the Arab spring moves in to an Arab fall, with protesters back on the streets.

Banner image: Three-and-a-half year old HIV positive Eugene (C) plays across a window with six-year-old Joan (R) during the last day of classes at their pre-school in Kibera. Photo by Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Making News

Super Committee on the Brink of Failure ()

The special bi-partisan Congressional committee assigned to reach a sweeping deficit agreement appears to have utterly failed. The Super Committee foundered on the same issue Congress could not resolve during debt ceiling negotiations this summer: new taxes. With a recent poll showing a nine percent approval for Congress, both sides hope the other one takes the blame. Martin Kady is Congressional Editor for Politico.

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Main Topic

Is the Private Sector Changing Global Health Priorities? ()

Two decades ago, the World Health Organization and other public agencies were the leaders in improving health in the developing world and battling the private sector on issues like infant formula and tobacco. But today, inter-governmental bodies like the WHO are being outpaced by private sector efforts led by multi-national businesses such as Coca-Cola, Exxon Mobil and drug companies like Pfizer. What's driven the change? Why have some of the corporations blamed for public health problems become leaders in the global fight against deadly disease? Are there conflicts of interest?

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Reporter's Notebook

Violent Clashes between Police, Protesters in Tahrir Square ()

More than 1,500 people have been wounded and 23 killed as protesters take to the streets of Egypt once again. That country's military rulers are facing the most sustained challenge to their hold on power since demonstrators forced former president Hosni Mubarak from power last February. In cities across Egypt, protesters are calling for an accelerated end to the military ruling council that has governed since the fall of Mubarak. But today, the entire cabinet of the interim civilian government submitted its resignation to the council.

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