The Role of Contextual Factors in Private Sector Engagement: A Case Study of Private Sector Contribution to COVID-19 Mitigation in Nigeria

Abstract

The Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) was established on the 27th of March 2020 to mobilize private sector resources toward supporting the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, CACOVID set out to provide leadership functions, raise public awareness, provide buy-in for COVID-19 prevention, and provide direct support to strengthen the health system's capacity to respond to the crisis. In this paper, we examine the contextual factors that shaped the private sector's engagement in the fight against the pandemic with a view to identifying progress and learning opportunities. A desk review of the existing literature and documents from relevant stakeholders (government, organized private sector, and civil society organizations) was carried out. Using both the Grindle and Thomas (1) and Husted and Salazar (2) frameworks, we identified individual characteristics (industry expertise and position, philanthropy, and personal/economic interest); the economic crises created by the pandemic; a weak health system; and the multi-sectoral nature of the response to the pandemic.as contextual factors that influenced public-private collaboration in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. That is, the private sector collaborated with the government based on several interrelated contexts that confront them with issues they need to address; determine what options are feasible politically, economically, and administratively; set limits on what solutions are eventually considered; and respond to efforts to alter existing policies and institutional practices. The identified contextual factors provide learning opportunities for enhancing public-private partnership in advancing healthcare not just in Nigeria, but also in related countries in Africa and other developing countries.

Private Sector Engagement in Healthcare Delivery in Developing Countries: A Review

“…It is worth noting that philanthropic efforts from individuals and companies, as observed during the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria, provided additional resources for healthcare facilities, research institutions, and humanitarian organisations responding to the crisis (Okeke et al, 2022). Furthermore, most developing countries have weak health systems.…”

“…From various research articles, it emerged that private sector engagement is very critical for improving health outcomes and sustaining business production. The financial support provided to the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria resulted in the halting of tragic deaths of employees and businesses (Okeke et al, 2022). It also prevented loss of productivity by ensuring the preclusion of the spread of COVID-19 infections through adherence to the golden rules set up and implemented by both the private and public sectors through this partnership.…”

“…As reported by Okeke et al (2022), four (4) contextual factors, which are individual features, economic crises, a weak health system, and a multi-sectoral response to COVID-19, were the main important factors established. Other contextual factors that impact the success of private sector involvement include human resource management, financial capacity, and sanctions imposed by the state (Sheaff et al, 2013).…”

“…The study mentioned some of the wealthiest individuals in Africa, like Aliko Dangote, as having contributed huge sums of money, about $5 million US dollars, in the fight against COVID-19, motivated by selflessness and a desire to help others without any expectation of personal gain or benefit (Okeke et al, 2022).…”