The Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is considering starting a loan program for countries that can afford it, but still need help buying HIV meds. I guess it makes sense in a way, but it is a pretty stark change from the traditional wisdom on foreign aid loans, isn't it? I thought the idea was that a country would develop and over time its economy would get better and it could repay the loan. Like taking student loans because you know you’ll make more money when you get out. Or buying a house because (cough cough) it's a good investment.
I suppose the idea is that if you don't take care of your HIV problem your economy will fall apart anyway, so by that logic it is a good investment.