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Contradictions in Corporate Social Responsibility

Contradictions in Corporate Social Responsibility

The pharmaceutical industry and medicines for the poor

Publication

1 May 2005

As a response to the health crises in developing countries and the insufficient access to affordable drugs, around 90 of what are known as Global Public-Private Partnerships (GPPPs) have been set up over the last decade. Although these partnerships are varied, they all share some basic characteristics. They form collaborations or partnerships made up of a United Nations (UN) body such as the World Health Organization (WHO), national governments, corporations, foundations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The world’s largest pharmaceutical companies are also involved in these partnerships, and they provide drugs to the partnerships, usually at a reduced price or as a donation.