The report notes the large gap that exists between the political commitments the EC has and its financial commitments. This gap is exacerbated by a further large gap between financial commitments and actual disbursments. The money promised for health in developing countries has not been delivered.
This is one factor why the share for health in Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending has decreased from 1996 to 2005. Without redressing this funding gap and declining share of ODA for health, the health millenium goals will be unattainable for many of the poorest nations.
The report makes eight concrete recomendations necessary for the EC to alter course and deliver on its commitments:
1. The EC must take urgent actions to close the funding gap for health
2. European Union flagship report on health policy
3. Increase the focus on health in CSPs
4. Investing in people
5. Maintain strong support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis
6. European Parliament to identify benchmarks on health for discharge procedure
7. EU Court of Auditors to report on achievement of targets and commitments
8. Ensure health does not lose out in times of increased GBS
