They mention health spending, which by the nature of all 4 of GiveWell’s top charities can often be more cost effective than other options, plus pandemic prevention.
”What should they do? One answer is to stop spending on programmes that do not work, and to focus on the things that might, such as health spending. Even here, however, governments must be vigilant that they are putting their money to its best use. Three principles should guide them.
The first is to act in areas where governments (or the UN agencies they fund) have special co-ordinating power, say because they have the security apparatus to reach disaster or conflict zones. Another is to get involved if they have information the public will struggle to assess, about adapting to climate change, say, or a new pandemic. Last, are they funding causes that generate positive spillovers, such as preventing the global spread of infectious diseases?”
I was encouraged to read this Economist article, “The demise of foreign aid offers an opportunity Donors should focus on what works. Much aid currently does not” which I would say has at least some EA adjacent ideas.
They mention health spending, which by the nature of all 4 of GiveWell’s top charities can often be more cost effective than other options, plus pandemic prevention.
”What should they do? One answer is to stop spending on programmes that do not work, and to focus on the things that might, such as health spending. Even here, however, governments must be vigilant that they are putting their money to its best use. Three principles should guide them.
The first is to act in areas where governments (or the UN agencies they fund) have special co-ordinating power, say because they have the security apparatus to reach disaster or conflict zones. Another is to get involved if they have information the public will struggle to assess, about adapting to climate change, say, or a new pandemic. Last, are they funding causes that generate positive spillovers, such as preventing the global spread of infectious diseases?”
Not exactly ITN, but not a bad take either!