Summary Report: GC8, Practical lessons on PSE
Public-Private Dialogue Highlights Opportunities for Private Sector Engagement in Global Fund GC8
The TBPPM Learning Network convened a global dialogue on 6 March 2026 to explore how countries can strengthen private sector engagement (PSE) in upcoming Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) funding requests.
- See Recording
- See Full Report (attached)
- See Presentation by Mohammed Yassin, The Global Fund (attached)
The forum, “Global Fund GC8 Applications: Practical Lessons and Opportunities to Intensify Engagement of Private Providers,” brought together technical experts and implementers from the Global Fund, national TB programs, and partner organizations working in Nigeria, India, and Kenya. More than 120 participants registered, reflecting strong interest from countries currently preparing GC8 proposals.
The discussion focused on how countries can integrate private sector engagement strategies within GC8 proposals while leveraging innovations such as near point-of-care (NPOC) diagnostics, digital reporting tools, and community-based screening approaches. The meeting was opened by Dr. Vijayashree Yellappa, who highlighted the central role of private providers in TB care.
“More than 70% of patients seek care in the private sector. Private sector engagement is therefore critical to reaching underserved populations and strengthening TB service delivery.” – Vijayashree Yellappa
Global Fund strategic priorities for GC8
Dr. Mohammed Yassin, Senior TB Advisor at the Global Fund, provided an overview of GC8 priorities and emphasized the importance of optimizing investments to maximize TB impact. The Global Fund remains the largest international financier of TB programs, and investments in private sector engagement have expanded significantly over the past two decades.
“In several countries, around 35% of TB notifications come from the private sector, yet only about 11% of TB budgets are allocated to private sector engagement.” – Mohammed Yassin
This gap highlights a major opportunity for countries to increase efficiency and impact through stronger collaboration with private providers. Dr. Yassin also noted that WHO has recommended new near point-of-care diagnostic approaches, including tongue swabs and sputum pooling, as opportunities to improve efficiency and expand access to TB testing.
Lessons from country experiences
Panelists shared practical lessons from implementation of Global Fund GC6 and GC7 grants.
Nigeria:
Dr. Obioma Chijioke-Akaniro described how engagement with private providers—including pharmacies, laboratories, and patent medicine vendors—has significantly contributed to TB detection in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is one of the few countries where we have seen increasing TB notification even during COVID… the private sector contribution is critical.” – Obioma Chijioke-Akaniro
Nigeria achieved 87% TB treatment coverage in 2025, exceeding national targets. Approximately 34% of TB notifications came from private providers, including significant contributions from informal community providers. The country’s GC8 strategy includes deploying molecular diagnostic platforms in community pharmacies and primary health care facilities and strengthening technical capacity for new diagnostic technologies.
India:
Prachi Shukla from World Health Partners highlighted innovative approaches to working with informal providers, including the use of tongue swab sampling as a non-invasive diagnostic alternative.
“Tongue swab sampling offers a very simple, non-invasive alternative that can be collected easily even in the community setting… they’re particularly suitable for decentralized screenings and community-level testing, including through these informal providers.” – Prachi Shukla
Early results suggest this approach can improve case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and expand screening through trusted community providers.
Kenya:
Dr. Chakaya Muhwa highlighted the importance of engaging smaller private providers—particularly Level 2 and Level 3 facilities—which often serve as the first point of contact for patients.
“At the core of the TB response are private providers that are close to the communities where TB occurs… engaging smaller providers and providing those providers with tools that they can use easily would make a huge difference going forward.” – Chakaya Muhwa
Opportunities with new diagnostic technologies
Panelists emphasized that near point-of-care diagnostic technologies represent a major opportunity to strengthen private sector engagement. Arnab Pal highlighted that emerging platforms make it easier to decentralize testing across private providers:
“These platforms are very easy to use and low-cost… they allow countries to decentralize TB testing.” - Arnab Pal
Potential models discussed included:
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Placement of diagnostic platforms in private laboratories and clinics
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Expansion of testing through community pharmacies
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Integration of private providers into hub-and-spoke diagnostic networks
Preparing countries for GC8
Panelists emphasized that countries preparing GC8 proposals should begin planning system readiness now. Key actions include: a) Mapping private sector providers; b) Developing Private Sector Action Plans; c) Strengthening supply chains for diagnostics: d) Training providers on new technologies; e) Integrating private provider data into national TB information systems.
The dialogue reinforced that private sector engagement will be essential for reaching missing TB patients and accelerating progress toward ending TB. Countries that successfully integrate these strategies into GC8 proposals will be better positioned to expand TB detection, deploy innovative diagnostic technologies, and strengthen TB services within primary health care systems.