Measurement of social capital as an indicator of community-based initiatives (CBI) in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to observe whether measurement of social capital is an effective tool or can be used as a standard tool for community-based initiatives (CBI) evaluation. It also points at the significance of social capital in the health related grass root initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach: CBI is an integrated socio-economic development approach implemented by the organized communities, supported by inter-sectoral actions for improvement of quality of life and health of the people.

In-country capacity development of a training institute: an Iranian experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the Government initiative for developing the in-country capacity of the National Public Health Management Centre (NPMC) in Tabriz. The UNDP definition of capacity has been used as a framework for assessment with the primary focus of the current assessment being on the training component.

Design/methodology/approach: The pape shows that Iran, which is a lower-middle income country, has a network of training institutions for both pre-service and continuing education of its human resources in health.