BACKGROUND :

Data show that a large proportion of people in LMICs, including those in the poorest income quintiles, access health services in the private sector as their first point of contact due to convenience and perceived quality. However, the potential role of a rapidly growing and heterogeneous private sector in achieving UHC has not been fully realized. By engaging effectively with the private sector, health planners encourage private sector providers to improve quality and coverage in order to advance the goals of UHC and sustainable development. Private sector contributions to healthcare delivery takes many forms; this session will explore examples of emerging best practices; the successes and causes for optimism will be highlighted, as well as the lessons learned and opportunities to increase the private sector contribution to UHC.