Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 Romania With a score of 44, Romania consistently rates as one of the most corrupt European Union (EU) countries on the CPI. The country’s expenditures on health care are also below the EU average. In addition to under- funding, Romania has shortages of medical personnel. 9 Uruguay With a score of 71, Uruguay is a top performer on the CPI in Latin America. Government spending on health care is among the highest in the region. The country has a robust epidemiological surveillance system, 10 which has aided its response to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, like yellow fever and Zika. Bangladesh With a score of 26, Bangladesh is one of the worst performers on the CPI in Asia Pacific. The government invests little in health care 11 while corruption flourishes. Corruption during COVID-19 ranges from bribery in health clinics to misappropriated aid. 12 In addition, corruption is pervasive in the procurement of medical supplies and contracts between powerful businesspeople and government officials. HEALTH EXPENDITURE Corruption shifts public spending away from essential public services. Countries with higher levels of corruption, regardless of economic development, tend to spend less on health. CORRUPTION AND HEALTH SPENDING Lower investments in public health is associated with higher levels of corruption. Each dot represents a country’s average CPI score (2012-2017) compared to average health expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2012-2017). 13 11 8 9 7 10 6 4 5 2 1 3 0 6 . 2 3 . 5 1 . 8 66-100 34-65 0-33 AVERAGE GOVERNMENT HEALTH SPENDING AS % OF GDP (2012-2017) AVERAGE CPI 2012-2017 44 71 26 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020 9