Abstract
Micronutrient malnutrition remains an important public health problem. Public-private partnerships have been promoted as a cornerstone in combating micronutrient malnutrition. Most developing countries are struggling to establish successful partnerships. Traditionally, the difficulties have been put down to misunderstandings due to poor communication. However, this paper will argue that more fundamental issues need to be addressed before the widespread acceptance of public-private partnerships can be achieved. This paper outlines the recent impetus towards public-private partnerships in nutrition and looks at some models of partnerships. The potential benefits of public-private partnerships are examined for three different role-players: the United Nations, recipient countries, and private business. Thorny issues for public-private partnerships, such as values, governance, resources, and equity, are explored. There are fundamental questions around these issues that need to be addressed before public-private partnerships can be promoted as the solution to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition.