WHO Says Health Partnerships Need Strong Rules to Prevent Corporate Bias

A WHO report warns that while public-private partnerships can help governments promote healthier diets and physical activity through funding and innovation, they also risk allowing corporate interests to influence public health policies. The organization urges strict safeguards, transparency, and strong due diligence to prevent conflicts of interest and protect public health goals.

As noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease continue to rise across South-East Asia, governments are increasingly partnering with private companies to promote healthier diets and physical activity. A new technical brief by the World Health Organization (WHO) says these collaborations can bring valuable resources and innovation, but they also carry major risks if not carefully managed.

The report, prepared by the WHO South-East Asia Region with support from researchers linked to the Pan American Health Organization, BMJ Global Health, Nutrition and Health, and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, explores how governments can work with businesses without allowing commercial interests to undermine public health goals.

Why Governments Are Turning to Companies

According to the WHO, many governments are seeking support from private firms because they often have the money, technology, marketing power, and infrastructure needed to run large-scale health campaigns. Companies can help develop fitness apps, wearable health devices, sports facilities, and healthier food products. Their distribution networks and advertising expertise can also help public health campaigns reach wider populations, especially in underserved areas.

The report notes that in countries with limited public resources, these partnerships may help governments respond faster to growing health problems linked to poor diets and inactive lifestyles.

The Problem of "Health Washing"

Despite these possible benefits, the WHO warns that some industries may use public health partnerships mainly to improve their public image. The report highlights concerns about "health washing," where companies associated with unhealthy products support fitness or wellness campaigns to distract attention from the harmful effects of their products.

For example, food and beverage companies may focus heavily on physical activity campaigns while avoiding discussions about unhealthy diets, sugar consumption, or aggressive marketing practices. According to the WHO, this can shift public attention away from the real causes of rising noncommunicable diseases.

The organization also warns that companies may lobby against stricter health regulations such as taxes on sugary drinks, restrictions on junk food advertising, or stronger nutrition policies.

WHO Calls for Strong Safeguards

A major concern raised in the report is the conflict of interest. The WHO says partnerships can become dangerous when commercial goals influence public health decisions. Even the appearance of corporate influence can damage public trust in health institutions.

To prevent this, the WHO is urging governments to follow strict due diligence and governance procedures before approving any partnership. The report recommends carefully examining a company's business practices, product portfolio, transparency record, and history of lobbying or marketing harmful products.

The WHO strongly advises governments to avoid partnerships with industries linked to tobacco, alcohol, breast-milk substitutes, and companies heavily involved in promoting unhealthy foods, especially to children.

The organization also recommends written agreements with clear objectives, regular monitoring, transparent reporting, and rules preventing companies from using public health programmes for commercial branding.

Balancing Innovation and Public Health

The WHO concludes that partnerships with the private sector can support healthier societies only if public health remains the top priority. While companies can provide innovation and investment, poorly regulated collaborations may allow corporate interests to shape health policy in ways that weaken efforts to fight disease.

The report stresses that governments must remain independent, involve public health experts and civil society in decision-making, and continuously monitor partnerships to ensure they truly benefit the public.

According to the WHO, the challenge is not whether governments should work with the private sector, but how to do so without compromising public health goals.