Politico | Coronavirus: Trump, ‘King of Ventilators’, may donate machines to Africa
- But the possible gesture won’t do much good unless it’s part of a larger strategy, aid experts say
- At the same time, it underscores Trump’s haphazard approach to foreign aid during the pandemic
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Nahal Toosi on politico.com on April 21, 2020.
The still-preliminary plan, confirmed by two Trump administration officials, could save lives on a continent sorely lacking such machines and enhance America’s standing in the face of Chinese efforts to gain diplomatic dominance across Africa.
The moves have raised concerns among current and former US officials that the administration isn’t being strategic in its virus-related aid plans.
“There’s a need for ventilators, but there’s also a need for a systemic response,” said Gayle Smith, who oversaw the US Agency for International Development during the Obama administration and now heads The ONE Campaign. “You need a functioning supply chain that is providing what’s needed, where it’s needed, when it’s needed.”