Background
Health NGOs are calling on the Commission and the EU to get more involved in research into Tuberculosis and poverty-related diseases. Médecins Sans Frontières published a report on 14 November that revealed massive underfunding for research related to TB and a lack of efficiency when it came to the financial support provided to the medical research.
Commission’s Response
The EU currently contributes to the fight against the main poverty-related diseases in the developing countries through the EU Programme for Action on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis (2007-2011). However, the Commissioner for Research Janez Potocnik recognises the need to improve funds for research into the diseases. At the International Conference on Poverty-Related Diseases held on 13 November, she stressed that the health crisis is a “major obstacle to development" and "a threat to humanity" .” The Commissioner underlined the need for all stakeholders to work jointly to make efficient policies and take responsibilities in order to improve the treatments for those diseases .
Civil Society’s Voice
Nevertheless, health NGOs say that more can be done and not just finance-wise. Indeed, the accessibility of medicines is still questioned since, in most of the regions affected by TB and other tropical diseases, the population can not afford the treatment. Furthermore, Oxfam stressed the need to reduce the cost of medicines and amend the legislation concerning the license of products. As a whole, the health community calls for alternatives to financing.
EPHA’s comments
EPHA belongs to the Action for Global Health network, a network that strongly supports the development of new financing schemes and a review of the quality and quantity of aid. There is still a lot to be done regarding the access to medicines and vaccination, but also into the capacity for disease diagnosis.
For further information :
EU Programme for Action on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis
Outcomes of the International Conference on Poverty-Related Diseases
Action for Global Health website
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