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Category: 2012

  • HIV risk and prevention behaviors among Prison Inmates in Georgia, 2012

    By 2012 there were 23 000 prisoners in the Georgian penitentiary system. Georgia had one of the highest in the world prison population rate per 100,000.

    The main reason for imprisonment in Georgia is drug-related crime. The majority of prisoners are arrested for repeated use of drugs or for
    keeping them in small amounts. Despite the fact that conditions in the prisons have improved over the last years, still the situation remains very hard. Prisons areconsidered as endemic areas for diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV infection, and hepatitis B and C. According to various data, risk behaviors such as sharing syringes, needles and other injecting equipment are widespread in prisons. Testing for blood-borne infections in prisons started in 2005 with wide expansion since 2008. By 2012, there were about 6000 prisoners tested annually.

    This study represents the subsequent wave of Bio-BSS undertaken among prisoner population. The first Bio-BSS was conducted in 2008
    using the SRS technique and managed to recruit 211 prisoners in total. The objective of the 2012 Bio-BSS was to measure the prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among prisoners, to provide measurements of key HIV risk behaviours and to generate evidence for advocacy and policy
    -making.

    The study was implemented within the GFATM-funded project “Generate evidence base on progress in behavior modification among MARPs and effectiveness of preventive interventions, to inform policies and practice” by Curatio International Foundation (CIF), Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health-Tanadgoma and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.

    Read the full version of the study.

  • Analyses of Costs and Financing of the Routine Immunization Program and New Vaccine Introduction in the Republic of Moldova

    In 2012-2014 Curatio International Foundation implemented the costing study that aimed to evaluate routine immunization program costs and financing as well as incremental costs and financing of a new vaccine introduction in the Republic of Moldova.

    The study was a part of a larger effort to evaluate costs and financing of routine immunization in six countries (Moldova, Benin, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Honduras) supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

    The study generated new information that will help a) improve the planning of resource requirements and financing needs at the country level; b) improve the understanding of the total immunization program costs and unit costs, as well as delivery costs of Routine Immunization services and delivery costs associated with the introduction of a new vaccine and c) contribute to updating GAVI Alliance policies on new vaccine introduction support.

    The findings of our study provide critical information for discussing issues related to the affordability of new vaccine introduction in Moldova, and the financial sustainability of the national immunization program after it graduates from GAVI support.

    Please follow the links to read the final presentation, project report and policy brief.

       

  • An investigation on community-level influences on mental health amongst internally displaced persons in Georgia, 2011-2012

    The project was implemented by CIF in collaboration with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) (Dr. Bayard Roberts, Professor Martin McKee, Professor Vikram Patel and Dr. Nino Makhashvili). The project was funded by Wellcome Trust (United Kingdom).

    Aim of this research study is to deepen understanding of the extent to which community-based influences may help promote mental health (including alcohol use) amongst IDPs and returnees in Georgia. The study would provide rigorous evidence on the burden of depression, psychological distress, harmful alcohol use, and also coping strategies amongst IDPs and returnees in Georgia. This information could be used to help inform appropriate responses from governmental and nongovernmental agencies. This would be one of the first studies globally to specifically explore the way in which community factors may help promote the mental health of IDP and returnees.

  • Survey of Barriers to HIV Testing Among People who Inject Drugs, Georgia, 2012

    HIV testing is an important preventive measure to avoid the HIV epidemics spread. Along with other measures implemented with the Government and donor organizations support in Georgia HIV testing is offered to the representatives of high-risk groups, including PWIDs. Although the level of awareness of this risk-group about the availability of counseling and testing services is satisfactory, the utilization of these services is low. This survey aimed at investigating factors promoting or hampering utilization of HIV testing services among PWIDs.

    The qualitative survey among PWIDs was conducted in 2012 in six big cities of Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Gori) in parallel with the Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey. The survey applied in-depth interviews technique. In total, 56 respondents participated in the qualitative survey, 12 of which were females. Anonymity was ensured for the study participants. The study protocol and the questionnaire were approved by the Ethics Committee of the HIV/AIDS Patients Support Foundation. The fear of diagnosis is one of the leading barriers to HIV testing. This psychological barrier is supported by a deeply rooted stereotype that a positive HIV test result means a death sentence for the patient and that HIV infection is a disease which is dangerous for the patient’s social contacts. The fear of diagnosis is closely connected with stigma that exists in the society in relation with HIV positive / AIDS affected individuals. The survey revealed that stigma associated with drug users, especially female drug users, is a major impeding factor for undertaking HIV testing. By avoiding HIV testing drug users are, in fact, trying to keep themselves away from acquiring the double label of an “AIDS patient” and a “drug addict” (double stigma).

    Read the full report.

  • HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among key populations- Study Findings Published

    HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among key populations were studied in Georgia in 2012. The Biomarker Behavioral Surveillance Surveys (Bio-BSS) were carried out among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) in six major cities, among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Tbilisi, Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Tbilisi and Batumi, and Prison inmates. Bio-BSSs are repeatedly carried out among key populations to monitor HIV epidemics, provide measurements of HIV risk behaviors, evaluate preventive interventions and generate evidence for policy-making.

    The studies were implemented by Curatio International Foundation; Public Union Bemoni; Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health – Tanadgoma; and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health. The studies were implemented within the GFATM-funded project.

    You can read the full reports here:

    HIV risk and prevention behaviors among Prison Inmates in Georgia
    HIV risk and prevention behavior among Men who have Sex with Men in Tbilisi, Georgia
    HIV risk and prevention behaviors among People Who Inject Drugs in six cities of Georgia
    HIV risk and prevention behavior among Female Sex Workers in two cities of Georgia
    Survey of Barriers to HIV Testing Among Intravenuous Drug Users in Georgia

  • HIV risk and prevention behavior among Female Sex Workers in two cities of Georgia, 2012

    Georgia is among the countries with low HIV/AIDS prevalence but with a high potential for the development of a widespread epidemic. From the early years of epidemic injecting drug use was the main route for HIV transmission, however, for the last two years heterosexual transmission is prevailing. According to the national HIV surveillance system, infections acquired through heterosexual contact account for 44.3% of all new HIV cases registered in 2012.

    This study represents the subsequent wave of Bio-BSS surveys undertaken among FSWs since 2002. Current study was conducted in 2012 using the Time-Location Sampling (TLS) sampling technique and managed to recruit 280 FSWs in total – 160 in Tbilisi and 120 – in Batumi. The objective of the 2012 Bio-BSS was to measure the prevalence of HIV and syphilis among FSWs, to provide measurements of key HIV risk behaviours and to generate evidence for advocacy and policy-making. The study was implemented within the GFATM-funded project “Generate evidence base on progress in behavior modification among MARPs and effectiveness of preventive interventions, to inform policies and practice” by Curatio International Foundation (CIF), Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health – Tanadgoma and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.
    Published in 2013.

    See the full version of the report.

  • CIF’s contribution to Investing in Global Health and Development

    Since the creation of the Global Fund, the world’s financing instrument in the fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria the role of private foundations has significantly increased in contributing to funding, participation in its governance and to the strategy of the organization.

    The Global Fund partners with non-governmental organizations, Foundations and private companies in four major areas: Contributor of Resources, Grant Implementer, Advocacy and Services, and Pro Bono Goods and Services. Curatio International Foundation (CIF) is the key partner listed among large business organizations such as Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), Anglogold Ashanti, Shell Foundation, Oil Search Limited etc.

    In order to assess the role they play in development aid, particularly in the field of health, Friends of the Global Fund Europe organized a conference bringing together European and American foundations to share experiences and perspectives on global health issues and how they could build effective partnerships with the Global Fund. The event took place on December 12, 2012 in Paris, France.

    The conference was a golden opportunity for participants to meet with representatives of European and American foundations involved in global health. The event was welcomed and leaded by high level guests such as Executives from world’s leading foundations, large businesses and the government.

    The conference agenda focused on three topics:

    – What is the contribution of foundations to health and development?
    – Can European foundations do more in global health and how?
    – How can European foundations build effective partnerships with the Global Fund ?

    George Gotsadze, Director of Curatio International Foundation made the presentation on the role of CIF in implementing Global- fund funded programs.

  • 15th Anniversary Report

    15 years anniversary publication spotlights some of the Curatio International Fondation’s (CIF) achievements in health system reform since 1994, thus shedding some light on the impact of CIF’s contributions, and to address the organization’s future aspirations. Published in December, 2009.

    View the full version.

     

     

     

     

  • Assessing the Health Insurance for the Poor in Georgia

    During the last two decades Government of Georgia initiated series of reforms introducing major changes in health financing policy and restructuring the health system to reverse the negative trends observed in equity, affordability and quality of essential health service for significant part of the country population and particularly for the poor.

    Addressing problems in equity and financial protection against health care costs through re attainment of universal coverage for essential health care services for the entire population was one of the longstanding and explicitly stated national health policy goals.

    Affordability of health care services is one of the most critical issues for Georgia’s health sector. The matter is among top five most important national issues for a large part of the Georgian population. Medical Insurance for the Poor (MIP), a public program initiated in 2007, provides private insurance coverage to one fifth of the Georgian population and is aimed to protect its beneficiaries from financial hardship and impoverishment that may be caused by health care expenditures.

    The study implemented by the Curatio International Foundation with the support from the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research/World Health Organization assesses the impact of Medical Health Insurance (MIP) for the Poor on equity in access to essential health care services and financial protection against health care costs for the poor and general population.

    The first phase of the study was published in May 2011. The document briefly describes identified accomplishments and shortcomings of the public private partnership in realization of medical insurance for the poor and discusses emerging policy options and policy recommendations on the future of MIP.

    The second part of the study aimed to assess the overall impact of medical insurance for the poor. The resulting document also reviews steps undertaken by the government in the design and implementation of the insurance program: the way the benefit package was designed, institutional and purchasing arrangements. It also describes the role of high level actors in MIP formulation and implementation, their influence, nature of interest and perceived position on possible future MIP expansion.

    View full documents:

    Policy Brief-Medical Insurance for the Poor: impact on access and affordability of health services in Georgia

    Policy Brief- Health Insurance for the Poor in Georgia, Content, Process and Actors

    Full Study Report- Health Insurance for Poor: Georgia’s Path to Universal Coverage

     

  • Impact of global HIV/AIDS initiatives on health systems in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia

    During January-July 2010 Curatio International Foundation in collaboration with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and other partners started exploring the effects of Global Fund HIV programmes on the roles of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. The study attempt to assess CSO advocacy efforts to reform HIV/AIDS and drug related Policies in three former Soviet Union countries.

    In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine by national researchers with representatives from a sample of 49 civil society organizations (CSOs) and 22 national key informants.

    On July 4th findings of the study were published in Health Policy and Planning, titled as Has Global Fund support for civil society advocacy in the Former Soviet Union established meaningful engagement or ‘a lot of jabber about nothing’?

    As the results of the study prompt the Global Fund support resulted in the professionalization of CSOs, which increased confidence from government and increased CSO influence on policies relating to HIV/AIDS and illicit drugs. Interviewees also reported that the amount of funding for advocacy from the Global Fund was insufficient, indirect and often interrupted. CSOs were often in competition for Global Fund support, which caused resentment and limited collective action, further weakening capacity for effective advocacy.

    The study was funded by the Open Society Foundations.

    Read the full version of the paper online.

    Download the paper.