CSR: a catalyst for corporate contribution to global health governance?

A case study from the pharmaceutical industry

Abstract

Over the past twenty years international pubic health and social development agencies have called for a greater involvement of the private for-profit sector. The call on large multi-national corporations (MNCs), in global population health promotion and governance through a new approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is perceived as a potential option for the private business sector to answer such plea. This article investigates the actual and potential contribution of the for-profit sector to national and international mental health policy objectives through a case study of the national implementation of a global mental health CSR campaign. The case study discusses to what extent CSR initiatives may allow the business sector to strengthen visibility and resources allocated to this public health issue at national level, aligned with recommended approaches inherent to mental health interventions, provide opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement and set an incentive for health policy development.