WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114/02 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Treatment of children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Romania.
Date: 2002-10-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: AIDS, EU aid, EU relations, Romania, accession to the European Union, child protection, health aid, right to health

15.1.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 11 E/25

According to the National Indicative Programme for Lao PDR, Community assistance to the country for
the period 2002-2004 is expected to total EUR 14 million. Taking into account the poverty profile of the
country, support will focus on the most vulnerable groups of the population, particularly ethnic minorities.
Rural development, health and primary education will remain the most important areas of EC development
assistance. A particular attention will also be given to the questions of human rights and ‘good
governance’.

(2004/C 11 E/026)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114/02

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 October 2002)

Subject: Treatment of children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Romania

Can the Commission confirm reports that large numbers of children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Romania
are being denied effective drug treatment or access to hospitals on the ground that there are insufficient
funds, and, if so, has the Commission raised this issue with the Romanian authorities?

What is the extent of the economic assistance provided to Romania by the European Union, what
percentage is earmarked for healthcare provision, and are there any conditions attached to the aid?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2002)

Romania has a high number of children with HIV/AIDS (1) (over 6 000 at the end of 2001) of which the
majority was infected between 1988 and 1991 probably due to transfusions of contaminated blood and
multiple use of syringes. While the number of HIV/AIDS cases for adults is on the rise and is a reason for
concern, new infections of children with HIV/AIDS are now reduced to a few cases per year.

The Commission is informed that in May 2002 there was a temporary shortage of medication, not because
of withdrawal of government funding, but as a result of a delay in the tender procedure for procurement
of these drugs. It remains true, however, that while medical treatment for HIV/AIDS is in general available,
in some areas of Romania occasional problems relating to access to medical treatment persist due to
temporary lack of funds.

In order to help the Central and Eastern European countries that have applied to join the Union to carry
out the reforms required, the Union is providing financial assistance in different areas. As far as assistance
in the public health sector is concerned, projects can be financed through the PHARE programme.

Under the PHARE National Programme a total of EUR 248,98 million have been committed for Romania
in 2001, out of which EUR 4 million are being spent in order to strengthen the Romanian system for
epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases. In 2002 a total of EUR 265,50 million
were allocated to Romania under the PHARE National Programme, out of which EUR 5,82 million are
earmarked for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases.

It must be pointed out, however, that financial assistance under the PHARE programme concentrates
exclusively on priorities for accession, as defined in the Accession Partnership for Romania. The PHARE
programme focuses therefore on two main objectives: institution building, in order to ensure the effective
implementation of Community legislation (acquis communautaire), and acquis-related
and efficient
investment. Direct support and investment to improve the quality or the delivery of health services in
Romania are not as such eligible for PHARE funding.

(1) Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.