The Global Fund makes many grants (over 300 to date representing $3.5 billion). Some don't perform. Global Fund staff monitor grant progress, and if things don't proceed, they stop the grant.

The most recent high-profile example is this week's termination of a $36 million package of grants to Myanmar. In canceling the grants, the Global Fund issued both a press release and a detailed five-page factsheet describing the situation.

There is a maxim in grant programs that if some grants don't go bad, you're not doing your job. The Global Fund, to its credit, publicizes failed grants along with successful ones, allowing other donors and grant recipients to learn from their circumstances.

The July 28th issue of the Economist has a number of excellent articles discussing global AIDS, including a review of the IAS pathogenesis and treatment conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The most significant article, however, addresses the success Brazil has had in AIDS prevention efforts (available here for subscribers). Four principles underpin this success:

• Don't let morality get in the way: distribute condoms, distribute needles, and treat sex workers;
• Treat freely: provide screening and treatment at no cost;
• Encourage NGO participation: NGOs are more effective overall than government agencies;
• Account for cost savings: "If you think action is expensive, try inaction".

As sensible as this list is, it unfortunately characterizes the programs of only a small number of countries (or aid agencies) worldwide.