i just don't get it

Okay, first go and read this.

Now that you are back, I suppose that you know a little more about AIDS in Africa.

So, here is what I don't get: why does the USA not place any weight in the WHO approval standards? They are more than willing to give the money (and a lot of it) to various African countries, yet they are not willing to let them buy drugs that have been approved by the WHO and do work. Here are a few ideas, some less optimistic than others.

1. The company that makes the more expensive drug is located in the USA. I hope that this is not the case; or if it is, that this is not the motivation. I suppose that this would be easy to verify. If someone who reads this wants to do a quick search, feel free (and post it if you do!).
   
2. There is some moral objection. Now, this is nothing that is based on God or anything, so don't worry too much. Here is the objection: If we give money to someone who is going to spend it on something that we will not let our own people purchase, then we should not give the money. (Or at least, in this case, put stipulations on how the money can be sent.) Is this a crazy idea? No, but is it justified in this case? I'm not sure.
   
3. There is the worry that some people might be harmed from the drug. I have problems with all of these reasons, but I think that this is the worst one (and I think that it is connected with the first). This is a terrible reason because in this type of situation what I think we ought to do is some sort of utility calculation. I.e. figure out how many people will benefit from the WHO supported drug and how many will benefit from the USA supported drug. Then, subtract the cost in people suffering that the WHO drug will incur (if any) away from the WHO total and subtract the harm that the USA drug will incur (if any) from the USA total. Also, you need to subtract the harm done to the people who are NOT treated by the USA supported drug because of its prohibitive cost. I VERY VERY VERY highly doubt that the USA supported drug will turn out better.
   

So, what is the deal? I mean WHY on earth would the USA make such a restriction? I just don't understand.

[After re-reading this, I realize that there are very sloppy parts, but since I am not going back to fix it, they will remain. Questions for my (at least) three readers, are there other justifications? If so, what are they?]


While I'm sending links, you may as well go here as well. Enjoy!