Saving lives with fewer dollars
The episode follows ALIMA's healthcare program in conflict-affected northern Cameroon after it abruptly loses $1.9 million in funding from USAID, forcing cuts to lifesaving services. It contrasts ALIMA's on-the-ground medical work with GiveWell's data-driven philanthropy, showing how GiveWell evaluates whether to fund the program despite limited and imperfect data. Ultimately, GiveWell decides to fully replace the lost USAID funding for one year, while the story highlights broader global cuts to aid and the resulting loss of both services and information about needs.
Nov 27, 2025
Business