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Category: Europe & Eurasia

  • CIF Study Published in BMC Magazine, The Role of Supportive Supervision on Immunization Program Outcome- a randomized filed trial from Georgia

    The research article by CIF and international experts has been published in BMC International Health and Human Rights 2009. Article is a part of the supplement: The fallacy of coverage: uncovering disparities to improve immunization rates through evidence.The Canadian International Immunization Initiative Phase 2 (CIII2) Operational Research Grants.

    In the republic of Georgia, a country where widespread health care reforms have taken place over the last decade, an intervention was recently implemented to strengthen performance of immunization programs. A range of measures were taken to ensure that immunization managers carry out their activities effectively through direct, personal contact on a regular basis to guide, support and assist designated health care facility staff to become more competent in their immunization work. The study addresses the issues of human resources and its management in improving immunization coverage rates and aims to document the effects of “supportive” supervision on the performance of the immunization program at the district level in Georgia.

    Follow the link to learn more about methods and results of the survey.

    LATEST NEWS

  • CIF Calls for participation in internship program for 2011-2012

    Curatio International Foundation launches its internship program for 2011-2012 years and invites interns from around the world who are studying at masters or Ph.D. level and who are interested to have first-hand experience in the real-life setting and to contribute to the research projects implemented by the organization.

    Since 2002 CIF has hosted number of students from world’s leading universities such as Johns Hopkins, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Yale etc.

    Timing of the Internships

    – Winter interns (December through February) from 2 to 6 weeks
    – Summer interns (June through September) from 1 to 4 month

    Terms of the Internships

    This is non-paid internship although CIF provides following to the interns:

    – Office space and access to internet communication and office equipment;
    – Access to on-line library with more than 8,000 information resources and in 30 different languages

    For interns outside Georgia:
    – Internship coordinator, who provides continuous guidance around the research topic and support to an intern during their stay in Georgia and after their departure, during scientific paper preparation;
    – Logistical support prior to arrival to Georgia and during their stay, which includes following but not limited to: acceptance letter to facilitate obtaining travel grants from different donors, support for accommodation in Tbilisi-Georgia, guidance for travel, etc.
    – Block grant in the amount of 500 USD.

    The Benefits to Interns are:
    – Ability to apply knowledge and research skills on practice and satisfy project requirements at their school;
    – Contribute to and be one of the authors of a scientific paper published in a peer reviewed journal with high impact factor;
    – Interact with the professionals continuously involved/contributing to policy making process;

    Read the full description of announcement to obtain full information on application process and research topics for 2011-2012 years.

  • Releasing results of Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men having sex with men

    Georgia is among the countries with low HIV/AIDS prevalence but with a high potential for the development of a widespread epidemic. However, over the past several years while transmission through injecting drug use is still the prevailing route for HIV spread, the role of heterosexual transmission is increasing. According to the national HIV surveillance system, infections acquired through homosexual contact account for a small proportion of all HIV cases.

    Curatio International Foundation and Association Tanadgoma release a study report on Bio-behavioral surveillance survey (BSS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tbilisi, Georgia.

    This study evaluated prevalence of HIV and other STIs (Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Herpes type-2 virus) and sexual risk behaviors among MSM in Tbilisi. Overall 278 respondents aged ≥18 years and having homosexual contact during last year were recruited using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) technique. The study findings has changed the country HIV epidemiological picture, moving from a low level to a concentrated epidemic among MSM in Tbilisi. The study provides recommendations for advocacy and policy level.

    The study was implemented in 2010 within the GFATM funded HIV/AIDS surveillance system strengthening project.

    Read the full version of the report to learn more on study methodology and findings.

  • Winner of the Fellowship Program 2011 Revealed

    In May, 2011 the winner of the CIF fellowship program was revealed. According to the decision of the experts committee the fellowship will be granted to Maia Khutsishvili, Master program student of the Tbilisi State Medical University.

    Over more than 15 years, Maia has been exposed to different aspects of healthcare field. From early nineties she has been working as a Medical Doctor (Pediatrician) in the leading hospitals of Georgia. In 2009 she joined one of the largest pharmaceutical companies Aversi in the capacity of Medical Representative.

    Maia’s academic background includes master level degree from the Tbilisi State Medical University with the specialization of Pediatrician (completed in 1993). She expects her Master’s degree in Public Health Management by the middle of summer 2011.

    Aside from clinical experience, Maia has a strong knowledge of specifics of Public Health Management related issues. In 2008-2009 she passed basic program for the managers at Business School of European School of Management. Maia plans to exercise her power in public health management and contribute to development of this field in Georgia.

    “Curatio International Foundation has long been the the organization I would like to cooperate with. After completing Master’s program I plan to focus on issues that are embraced in public health management, such as HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction etc. These are topics that are widely covered by studies provided by CIF. Becoming the winner of the program is very important for me not only in terms of getting financial award and increasing motivation but also it poses a golden opportunity to get exposed to wonderful experience of Foundation’s experts and listen to their recommendations while working on the research projects in the future”- says Maia.

    CIF has been running the Fellowship Program since 2009. Participants are being selected through an open and merit-based competition. The grant worth around of 250 GEL monthly (over ten academic months) is given to ONE student of the Master Program of Public Health Management or Business Administration with the focus on Public Health Management.

    For further information please visit the fellowships page.

  • Prices, Availability and Affordability of Medicines in Georgia-the New Study Report Endorsed

    In December 2010 CIF wrapped up the second stage of the study exploring “Price, availability and affordability of medicines in Georgia”.

    The study aimed at increasing awareness of civil society and improved access to medicines for the population through strengthening respective evidence. Field works during the first stage of the study were conducted in December 2009, while the second phase in July 2010. During the second phase the research covered four Georgian regions involving 146 pharmacies.

    The present report “Price, availability and affordability of medicines in Georgia” attempted to obtain reliable data on these aspects and documents tendencies of change over the course of 6 months in 2010. The survey looked at availability and price of Innovative Brands and their equivalent low price generics, analyzed collected data by type of medicine, regional differences as well as by type of pharmacy. The survey also looks at medicine mark-ups and compares with mark-ups in European countries, measures affordability of standard treatments as percent of average subsistence monthly allowance and provides comparison of the standard treatments by innovative brands and equivalent low price generics. Though the study has not covered all therapeutic categories, these do not detract from the importance of the above results as basis for action and as baseline for future studies.

  • Prices, Availability and Affordability of Medicines

    The present report   “Price, availability and affordability of medicines in Georgia” attempted to obtain reliable data on these aspects and documents tendencies of change over the course of 6 month in 2010. The survey looked at availability and price of Innovative Brands and their equivalent low price generics, analyzed collected data by type of medicine, regional differences as well as by type of pharmacy. The survey also looks at medicine mark-ups and compares with mark-ups in European countries, measures affordability of standard treatments as percent of average subsistence monthly allowance and provides comparison of the standard treatments by innovative brands and equivalent low price generics.  Though the study has not covered all therapeutic categories, these do not detract from the importance of the above results as basis for action and as baseline for future studies. Authors: Tamar Gotsadze, Natia Rukhadze, Tinatin Turdzeladze; 2010. The full version of the report in available in Georgian.

  • Customer Satisfaction Research Report on Corporate Health Insurance

    Customer Satisfaction Research on Corporate Health Insurance aims to explore satisfaction of corporate clients of insurance companies and develops recommendations for further polishing and improvement of corporate insurance services. The research revealed that there is a high share/percent of not insured employees in corporate insurance schemes. Financial accessibility is one of the most noteworthy barriers for joining the insurance scheme. Not all citizens having the will to use insurance have a guaranteed opportunity to get corporate insurance.

    The study was supported by International Health Budget Monitoring Initiative of the Open Society Institute. The research prepared by CIF experts Marine Egutia, Natia Rukhadze, Tamar Gotsadze looks at trends of insurance market, shares of insurance types and customer satisfaction. Georgian insurance market is young, though the rapid growth is apparent. Data prompted by the National Bank of Georgia proved 33 percent growth in 2009 compared with the year 2008. The Health insurance is the most popular and occupies 68.6 percent of market structure.

    The share of the insurance companies has increased since 2007 following the health financing reform launched by the Government of Georgia. The private insurance companies succeeded to attract substantial amount of state finances. Insurance of state program beneficiaries by insurance companies is being implemented in the framework of state assignments. According to 2008 year data, 18 percent of Georgian population is insured by the state. Along with this, there is a slow pace of corporate insurance development which is used by employees of public, private and non-governmental sectors. Retail insurance comprises 1 percent of market. 76 percent of the population is exposed to health risks. You can read the full version of the Report, Policy Brief, or Presentation.

  • Customer Satisfaction Research Report on Corporate Health Insurance Released

    Curatio International Foundation releases report on Customer Satisfaction Research on Corporate Health Insurance. The report was supported by International Health Budget Monitoring Initiative of the Open Society Institute. The research prepared by the three experts of CIF (Marine Egutia, Natia Rukhadze, Tamar Gotsadze) looks at trends of insurance market, shares of insurance types and customer satisfaction. Georgian insurance market is young, though the rapid growth is apparent. Data prompted by the National Bank of Georgia proved 33 percent growth in 2009 compared with the year 2008. The Health insurance is the most popular and occupies 68.6 percent of market structure.

    The share of the insurance companies has increased since 2007 following the health financing reform launched by the Government of Georgia. The private insurance companies succeeded to attract substantial amount of state finances. Insurance of state program beneficiaries by insurance companies is being implemented in the framework of state assignments. According to 2008 year data, 18 percent of Georgian population is insured by the state. Along with this, there is a slow pace of corporate insurance development which is used by employees of public, private and non-governmental sectors. Retail insurance comprises 1 percent of market. 76 percent of the population is exposed to health risks.

    The study aims to explore satisfaction of corporate clients of insurance companies and develops recommendations for further polishing and improvement of corporate insurance services. The research revealed that there is a high share/percent of not insured employees in corporate insurance schemes. Financial accessibility is one of the most noteworthy barriers for joining the insurance scheme. Not all citizens having the will to use insurance have a guaranteed opportunity to get corporate insurance.

    Insurance product seems less attractive for those having the will to get insured. Insurance contracts are imperfect that often becomes the reason for customer dissatisfaction and finally leads to changes of services and vendors. Procedures for contract extension and update are complicated and have a negative impact on insured. Variety and multitude of insurance packages further complicates the process of vendor choice and decision making.

    At the end the report prompts possible ways for problem solving and offers valuable recommendations on how to make corporate health insurance better and raise customer satisfaction.

    Follow the link to view the full version of the report, policy brief and presentation.

  • Become Part of a New Insurance Culture!- Presentation

    The presentation describes dynamic of health insurance development in Georgia, parameters of insurance and insurance systems and different policy choices/options the country faces in Health Insurance Field. The presentation also describes state financed and co-financed health insurance  products. Author of the presentation: Devi Khechinashvili. Full version is available in English and in Georgian.

  • Opportunities for Change-Presentation

    The presentation describes the importance of the pharmaceutical sector, factors conditioned development of the draft Bill on Changes and Amendments to the Georgian Law on Drugs and Pharmaceutical Activities, which has been passed by the Parliament of Georgia 10th of August, 2009 and became effective from October 15, 2009. The presentation also describes key concepts, recommendations rendered to the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs in 2007, including the information on which recommendations accepted and which of them ignored by the Ministry; The presentation also provides recommendations for further improvement of the legislation. Author of the presentation: Vakhtang Megrelishvili. Full version is available in English and in Georgian.