John Fairhurst is the head of Private Sector Engagement at the Global Fund. As such, he is the link between this global institution and innovators ranging from Microsoft to Zenysis. Tune in today to understand how the largest financier of HIV, TB, and malaria programs works with Big Tech, emerging startups, and other innovations to achieve its global goals.
In its 20 years of existence, the Global Fund has channeled $55 billion to support the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria.
Prior to joining the Global Fund John was an Executive Director at UBS Optimus Foundation and COO at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). He helped establish the portfolio of one of the largest private foundations in international development, the Children’s Investment Fund (CIFF). He oversaw development and humanitarian programs for Oxfam in various geographies including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, and Afghanistan.
Conversation Highlights
- (2m13s) – Introducing John Fairhurst
- (6m06s) – How the Global Fund works with Big Tech
- (16m19s) – How the Global Fund works with emerging technologies and startups
- (21m38s) – The partnerships that don’t work out
- (26m56s) – Guidance for other donors in “the valley of death”
- (31m41s) – Rapid fire questions
Links
- John Fairhurst overseas private sector partnerships for the Global Fund, including private sector resource mobilization, deliver innovation, and innovative financing. In this interview, we emphasize his work and partnerships in delivery innovation i.e. drawing knowledge, skills, and technologies from the private sector to advance the mission of the Global Fund.
- The Global Fund’s Framework on Private Sector Engagement is a 7-page document that highlights different types of private sector actors relevant to the work of the Global Fund. It describes its framework for partnerships, including potential benefits and key risks.
- John shares a few examples of private-sector partners that have advanced the work of the Global Fund, including how Google is using AI to better identify tuberculosis cases and how Zenysis is supporting countries to integrate data from different sources into a unified view
- In his personal time, John’s been reading the Imagination Machine by Martin Reeves and Jack Fuller. This book describes how large corporations like Lego continue to build and foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
- John’s work has been inspired and guided by Raj Panjabi. Today, Raj is the Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense at The White House and founder of Last Mile Health.
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