While I increasingly believe that it will be the growth of markets in Africa that will help them turn the corner, some diasters are so awful and treatments so cheap that it seems impossible not to want to help.
A recent Times article, and accompanying photo essay, tell the story of cheap 20mg zinc tablets, when combined with oral rehydration therapy, has proven very effective in lessening instances of diarrhea among children. Diarrhea claims the lives of more children than AIDS or malaria.
Save the Children has been the primary provider of zinc tablets. They are a reputable organization, with 92% of your money going to treatment.