George Bush’s Saving Grace

“The man was a real idiot, but this one thing he did [PEPFAR] saved Africa.” And yes, Africa the continent. PEPFAR or the President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief was deployed by George W. Bush (43rd President of USA) to combat HIV/AIDS in several African countries.

An imminent doctor at Ethiopia’s main public hospital in Addis Ababa told me that if the money from USA had not come when it did, HIV would have destroyed a whole generation of Africans. I was surprise to learn of this. I have often questioned why USA is so concerned with providing foreign aid when there is so much to be done in the USA. I have also been critical of the idea of foreign direct investment as a development tool. These might accelerate growth but come with large side effects.

I got my answer – sometimes it can be too late. Funds from USAID, such as those that came through the PEPFAR program, are irreplaceable when administered at the right time and with the right plan, which keeps sustainability in mind. The PEPFAR program is currently tapering off funds and personnel in Africa – leaving locals trained to operate the show.