BLOG POST

A Broader View of Aid

April 15, 2005

Today's Washington Post has an editorial calling for a broader view of aid, in which they argue that increased aid can be used in ways which do not face the risk of low absorption by developing countries, including financing research.

Rich governments are already considering an idea to sign commitments to purchase vaccines for AIDS or malaria if they are invented, thus sharpening pharmaceutical firms' incentives to invest in these products. This approach protects intellectual property, harnesses the talents of the private sector and costs nothing unless a vaccine is developed. Why not start there?

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CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.