Problems too big for one foundation

Re “Unintended victims,” a Times investigation, Dec. 16

We have become accustomed to the 30-minute TV drama in which significant problems are dispatched with nine minutes remaining for commercial messages. Is it any wonder we expect that there will be similar precision solutions for the problems of the poor? It is shortsighted to treat HIV/AIDS while ignoring that untreated TB synergistically enhances AIDS lethality. It is unrealistic to expect food-insecure people to take antiretroviral drugs on a full stomach. Much of our foreign aid directs funds for disease-specific programs and precludes use for desperately needed general medical infrastructure. Demonstration projects that spottily increase healthcare workers’ salaries result in medical migration, luring healthcare workers from low-income countries. To successfully address the needs of the emerging world poor, a Ken Burns miniseries-like approach is needed, not a simplistic docudrama. It is not a Gates Foundation problem. It is our problem.

Larry Donohue

Seattle

This penetrating article indicates the need when addressing a huge healthcare issue to “lift all boats.” The AIDS industry’s power to get narrowly tailored gifts overwhelms grant reviewers. Yet small gains, such as a cure for diabetes by a pancreatic dose of capsicum shown in mice, die for want of $5 million. Is that because a cure might decimate the multibillion-dollar diabetes industry? Even injecting funding directly into honest health systems is a promising cure.

Joe Shea

Bradenton, Fla.

Isn’t it sad that no act of kindness and charity goes unpunished? Attempt something wonderful, and the naysayers attack. I am disgusted by your complaints about the Gates Foundation activities. Start your own foundation to support African hospitals and fix all that you feel needs fixing, and stop complaining until you do so.

Richard S. LeVine

Los Angeles