ABSTRACT
As with the ‘greening’ of petrochemical firms witnessed in the politics of the environment, greater consumer awareness has prompted MNCs operating in the developing world to improve their public image. The cynic can point to tax breaks often open to MNCs who make charitable contributions and to the advertising pay-offs of apparent philanthropism, but the fact remains that businesses are donating significant sums to global public health and contributing to a global good. At the same time, blatantly cynical activities by MNCs which undermine public health are increasingly likely to be highlighted by pressure groups and be used to damage their image in the eyes of ever more enlightened consumers. The backtrack of the pharmaceutical firms and US government over the patenting of HIV drugs in Brazil and South Africa provides a clear instance of this.
