“This book is not just history; Lifeline is a roadmap and a reminder of what is possible when evidence, empathy, and sustained global commitment align.” — Sanjay Gupta, MD, New York Times bestselling author of It Doesn't Have to Hurt
"John Donnelly has told one of the great untold stories of the century. Admirers of George W. Bush will be pleased. Detractors of George W. Bush will be astonished—and will never think of him the same way again." — David Shribman, Pulitzer-Winning Executive Editor Emeritus of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“There was a time, not long ago, when a group of imperfect leaders faced a global tragedy and chose to do the right thing. Lifeline tends the embers of that spirit.” — Helen Epstein, author of The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West, and the Fight Against AIDS
“A masterful yet uplifting chronicle that merges Washington politics with the horrors of AIDS in Africa. It should be required reading for politicians and diplomats.” — Max Essex, Lasker Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
“One of the most consequential—yet neglected—stories of the early 21st century is the American-led effort to check the ravages of HIV/AIDS in Africa, which saved perhaps 26 million people from premature and miserable deaths. In Lifeline, John Donnelly tells this medical, political, and above all, human story with verve and pace, taking readers inside the sleek corridors of power in Washington and the bleak hospital wards of Malawi, Uganda, and South Africa. Everyone in, or thinking of entering, the public health field should read this book.” — J.R. McNeill, Georgetown University, author of Something New Under the Sun
“John Donnelly captures the bold leadership and determination that made PEPFAR a reality, and transformed diplomacy to hope and resilience. The book is a powerful account of how Kenya and many African countries confronted the HIV crisis through partnerships, innovation and lots of courage.” — Dr. Doris K. Macharia, President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
“Lifeline tells the riveting story of the greatest humanitarian undertaking in global history. It saved more than 26 million lives as well as many struggling democracies, altering the fate of the African continent. John Donnelly's gripping saga, teeming with colorful characters, tells of a high-octane race to control the AIDS pandemic. Lifeline is a must read—and a handbook for how to handle the next major global emergency.” — Sally H. Jacobs, author of Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson
“John Donnelly has brilliantly captured the challenges and at times heroic efforts to establish PEPFAR. Reading the book, one feels immersed in the program’s creation and early success. His story illustrates how the US government can save millions of lives around the world and is a wise lesson for our future.” — Michael Merson, Former Director of the World Health Organization Global Program on AIDS and Professor Emeritus, Duke University Global Health Institute
