New Global Project Aims to Expand the Private Sector's Ability to Deliver Health Services in Developing Countries

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To improve public health outcomes and increase the use of health services through the expansion of the role of the private sector in health systems, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded Abt Associates the Health Private Sector Flagship (HPSF) Improving Health Outcomes through the Private Sector Project.  This $150 million project is a follow on to the Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) Project, which Abt has been implementing since 2009 in more than 30 countries.

HPSF will focus on: strengthening provision of private-sector health information, products and services;  increasing effective public-private engagement to improve public health outcomes; improving the enabling environment for the private sector within the health system at the global, regional and country level; and surfacing, disseminating and applying innovative, emerging and tested private sector models. 

"Abt's long standing reputation for effective engagement with the private-sector to improve health service delivery is well known," said Diana R. Silimperi, MD, Abt's Division Vice President for International Health.  "We attribute this award to the recognition of the impact of our work, the technical leadership and innovation we bring, and our track record in partnering with country governments to effectively engage the private health sector." 

HPSF is a five-year project that will be implemented together with a number of partners including: the American College of Nurse-Midwives; Avenir Health; Broad Branch Associates; Banyan Global; Hyperakt; the Iris Group; Marie Stopes International; PSI; the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan; and two African-based organizations, Insight Health Advisors and Praekelt Foundation. This Abt-led global initiative will concentrate on family planning and reproductive health; maternal, newborn and child health; and HIV and AIDS service delivery.  

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research, evaluation and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

SOURCE Abt Associates

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