Public-Private Partnerships in the veterinary domain

Partnering for long-term positive impacts on animal health

WOAH defines Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a joint approach in which the public and private sectors agree on responsibilities and share resources and risks to achieve common objectives. The establishment of PPPs contributes to a more efficient and effective use of both public and private sector resources and enables each sector to focus on activities most central to their respective responsibilities and capabilities.

When established in a sustainable manner, PPPs can contribute to strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services in many ways, from policy development to the implementation of large-scale vaccination campaigns. They can also provide a way to balance the development and geographical presence and influence of each sector across a given country.

The relationships and capabilities that are developed through PPPs may also be utilised in emergency management, for instance, if there is a need to respond to a disease outbreak that exceeds the capacity of the public sector.

Building innovative collaborations to address specific needs

There are multiple ways to establish effective PPPs. These collaborations can take several forms according to the type of private partners involved, the funding source, and the governance mechanisms. They can be classified under three main typologies; however, each new PPP can comprise elements from several typologies.

Supporting the establishment of effective PPPs at country level

Despite their proven benefits in the veterinary field, PPPs often remain under-utilised. WOAH recognises the added value that this approach can have for the public sector in fulfilling its missions more efficiently and also for the private sector, by creating the conditions for better, more sustainable business.  

As part of its mission to help strengthen Veterinary Services, WOAH is committed to support countries in implementing PPPs. To help its Members explore, plan, implement and monitor such collaborations, WOAH has developed dedicated guidelines, online courses and an open-access database on PPPs. 

Our Guidelines for PPPs in the veterinary domain

In order to support countries in the implementation of PPPs, WOAH has produced guidelines for both the public and private sectors, based on successful field experiences. These are gathered in a Handbook.

Our e-learning courses

Several courses are available online to provide a better understanding of what can be obtained from impactful and sustainable public-private partnerships in the veterinary domain. 

Our PPP Database

To improve further understanding of the variety of PPP options in the veterinary domain, together with the potential benefits and challenges of such partnerships, our collaborative PPP Database presents examples which have been kindly shared with WOAH by those who developed these partnerships. The aim is to provide information and opportunities to cross-pollinate successful experiences around the world. 

How can a country benefit from PPP as part of the PVS Pathway?

_{Our activities on PPP are conducted in collaboration with Cirad and EuFMD, with the generous financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.}