The role of supportive supervision on immunization program outcome - a randomized field trial from Georgia.

Background: One of the most common barriers to improving immunization coverage rates is human resources and its management. 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.

Human resources for health challenges of public health system reform in Georgia.

Background: Human resources (HR) are one of the most important components determining performance of public health system. The aim of this study was to assess adequacy of HR of local public health agencies to meet the needs emerging from health care reforms in Georgia.

Methods: We used the Human Resources for Health Action Framework, which includes six components: HR management, policy, finance, education, partnerships and leadership.

Influence of household demographic and socio-economic factors on household expenditure on tobacco in six New Independent States.

Background: To identify demographic and socio-economic factors that are associated with household expenditure on tobacco in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, and Tajikistan.

Methods: Secondary analysis of the data available through the World Bank Living Standards Monitoring Survey conducted in aforementioned countries in 1995-2000. The role of different variables (e.