WRITTEN QUESTION E-2763/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Funding for tuberculosis treatment in states signatory to the Convention of Lomé

How does the Commission intend to tackle the growing problem of tuberculosis in developing countries?

Given that the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease estimates that 100-150 million is needed to make a major impact on tuberculosis in the developing countries, will the Commission make funds available through the European Development Fund to combat this specific problem?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(20 October 2000)

The Commission recognises the growing problem and threat posed by tuberculosis in developing countries and will increase investment in an effective response through available instruments.

There is increasing international attention to the major communicable diseases associated with poverty, namely tuberculosis, malaria and acquired immune deficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), and unprecedented political support to address the problem. The subject has been discussed in meetings in 2000 between the Community and the United States and in the group of eight most industrialized countries (G8).

As a first response to the recommendations of the G8, the Commission adopted on 20 September 2000 a communication on accelerated action targeted at the major communicable diseases within the context of poverty reduction(1). On 28 September 2000 the Commission co-hosted with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations programme on AIDS, a high level round table to consult representatives of developing countries, international organisations, research groups, the pharmaceutical industry, civil society groups and Member States. The discussions will be of great assistance in the definition of a subsequent programme of action over coming months.

The Commission recognises that the scale of the problem warrants an extraordinary response from the international development community, backed by appropriate resources and effective delivery mechanisms. The Commission wishes to provide support as part of a co-ordinated international response and is exploring with partners possible future financing and support options.

The Commission provides extensive and increasing support to the health sector. Assistance to health, AIDS and population programmes has risen from 1 % of Community aid in 1986 to 8 % in 1998. Overall commitments in 1998 amounted to over 700 million. Much of this support is directed to improve the organisation, management and performance of national health systems including improvements to tuberculosis control programmes. Increasingly such support is provided as sector or budget support rather than targeted support to disease specific programmes.

It is not possible to quantify future specific allocations to tuberculosis control from the European development fund and there is no specific budget line for tuberculosis. The most effective approach to combat the problem will be through sustained support to health systems development complemented by targeted action through a co-ordinated global approach as proposed above.

(1) COM(2000) 585 final.