This article reviews and analyses the growing phenomenon of public-private partnerships in the field of international public health cooperation (PPPs). This trend has been led by the changing political dynamics surrounding international health issues as well as by the perception of the inadequacy of market mechanisms and the inability of existing international institutions for tackling pressing health problems in developing countries. The article analyses in particular the remarkable developments in international health governance that PPPs have ushered in as well as the role played and the challenges faced by the World Health Organization.