R4D Armenia

desirability and feasibility of scaling up community health insurance in low-income settings - lessons from Armenia.

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:43:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Poletti,.;T, Balabanova, D.; Kocharyan, H.; Arakelyan, K.; Hakobyan, M.; Normand, C. 2007 Social Science and Medicine, 64 (3), 509-520 pp. [doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.10.028] Using key informant interviews and focus group discussions in Armenia, this study sought to identify the desirability and feasibility of scaling-up community health insurance. The results suggest that there is broad-based political support for scaling up the schemes and this process is synergistic with major health sector reform directions. High levels of social capital within the rural communities should facilitate scaling up. Existing schemes have increased access and quality of care, but expansion of coverage is constrained by affordability and poor infrastructure and linkages with the broader health system. Long-term subsidies and system-building are essential if the expanded schemes are to be financially viable and pro-poor. Overall, successful scaling up community financing in Armenia would depend on addressing a range of obstacles related to legislation, institutional capacity, human resources and resistance to change among certain stakeholders.

Health service utilisation in the Former Soviet Union: evidence from eight countries.

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:49:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Balabanova, D.; McKee, M.; Pomerleau, J.; Rose, R.; Haerpfer, C. 2004 Health Services Research, 39(6), Part II, 1927-1949, 2004. In the past decade, the countries that emerged from the Soviet Union have experienced major changes in the inherited Soviet model of health care, which was centrally planned and provided universal, free access to basic care. The underlying principle of universality remains, but coexists with new funding and delivery systems and growing out-of-pocket payments. The objectives of this study were to examine patterns and determinants of health care utilization, the extent of payment for health care, and the settings in which care is obtained in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.

Options for scaling up community-based health insurance for rural communities in Armenia.

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:13:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Poletti, T.; Balabanova D. 2007 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, ISBN: 978 0 902657 78 X, 90 pp. This paper summarises the results of a study which examined international experience with regard to community-based health financing (CBHF) schemes, scaling up CBHF schemes, and the feasibility of scaling up community-based health insurance (CBHI) in Armenia. It was based on a literature review of international experience and qualitative research in Armenia. The recommendations derived from this study have relevance both for Armenia and for the use of CBHI schemes as a tool for promoting pro-poor health system reform in low-resource settings more generally.

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Briefing Gaskin, M. 2005 Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS, Emerging Markets Group (EMG) Ltd, London, UK, 2 pp.

The background and objectives of the commissioned study are presented, along with research findings, and main conclusions.

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) are being prepared by seven Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union and, of these, five countries have completed full PRSPs and have started implementation. The objective of this study is to identify the key challenges facing NIS governments in implementing full PRSPs and sets out recommendations for addressing them. The study also provides useful insights to be used by the EC in the policy dialogue with partner governments in the NIS on PRSPs, and as input for the preparation of the next generation of Indicative Programmes (2007-12) and for the development of Action Programmes from 2004 onwards.

Global experience with PRSP implementation.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Research Paper 2004 Global experience with PRSP implementation, EC-PREP, 47 pp.

The purpose of this report is to identify a set of findings and lessons learned from global experience with implementation of the PRSP process. The Synthesis Report will bring together the global experience identified in this document with the specific needs and issues related to the Newly Independent States (NIS).

This report uses the basic analytical framework set out in the study terms of reference. The ToR defines two sets of factors: Challenges and issues within a number of domains. Within this report, these challenges are examined in the sense of being good features of the PRSP. The challenges are therefore to achieve these good features of the PRSP. A valid question is whether these features are sufficient to ensure implementation of the PRSP or if there are other features or issues that would also need to be addressed. The report attempts to identify these other features or issues.

This particular document begins with an overview, then chapters including: PRSP implementation, key issues affecting implementation of the PRSP, implications/relevance for NIS, and annexes follow.

Implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS. Armenia country study.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Case Study 2004 Implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS. Armenia country study, Centre for Development Study and Research, University of London, iii + 46 pp.

This country study of Armenia begins with a brief overview of the PRSP process in the country and then chapters including: the initial PRSP process and the PRSP document, implementation fo the PRSP, challenges to implementation, conclusions - recommendations and lessons learned, and finally annexes.

Implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS. Synthesis report.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Report 2004 Implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS. Synthesis report, Centre for Development Study and Research, University of London, ixx + 67 pp.

This document begins with an introduction, the chapters are then organised as follows: challenges to effective PRS implementation, issues that affect PRS implementation, PRSP implementation in the NIS - key challenges, conclusions: lessons learned and recommendations, and finally annexes.

This study examines the implementation of the PRS from the moment of approval of the PRSP itself. Implementation of the PRS process in this respect means (a) implementing the PRSP itself (i.e. undertaking the actions it contains in its plan of action) (b) learning from the results of the actions, and (c) amending the strategy and actions accordingly. The study is focussed on process and not the contents of the PRSP. In terms of the contents the interest is only on those elements that affect implementation (for example capacity building or budget system reform).

Terms of reference for a study of the implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Extension Leaflet/Booklet 0 Terms of reference for a study of the implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the NIS, EC-PREP, 5 pp.

This document forms the terms of reference for the overall study. After an introduction, it outlines the purpose and scope of the study, the assignment and the definitions, methods, timetable and resources for the study. It also sets out the reporting requirements.

Making Ends Meet (In the Field, Phase II)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed This series follows on from the previous collaboration with the BBC on the series 'In the Field', which explored innovative improvements to livelihoods around the world, mostly through DFID-funded research projects. This has led to a further commission from the BBC World Service to make a second livelihoods-related series. To disseminate understanding of the importance of taking a livelihoods approach in understanding the way in which a household manages to survive and sustain its members, and in particular the importance of taking into account a) the complexity of household livelihoods and b) both the differences and parallels which exist between livelihoods in different ecological, cultural and economic contexts. 1. Series of radio programmes

2. Supporting booklet of notes

3. Web version of notes

4. Final report

All of the above to be ready by the date of transmission of the series, which will be late in the FY 2002/3. Exact date has yet to be determined.

The Extent and Nature of Absolute Poverty

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current To produce cost-effective and efficient ways of eradicating poverty, it must be defined and measured accurately. Social science research shows that, whilst all cultures have a concept and definition of poverty, these often vary. Until the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen there was no agreed definition. However, the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action included the preparation of national anti-poverty plans based on measures in all countries of 'absolute' and 'overall' poverty. 'Absolute' poverty is defined as ,a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to social services., This research will provide reliable scientific estimates of the extent and nature of absolute poverty in the world, based on the definition agreed to by the government of 117 countries at the 1995 World Summit on Social Development and within the framework of International Human Rights Conventions. This research will provide reliable and valid scientific measurements of the extent and nature of absolute poverty of adults and children, by operationalising the internationally agreed definition. Without good comparable measures of poverty, it will be impossible to determine if any anti-poverty policies are working effectively and efficiently.

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed This study identifies the key challenges facing NIS governments in implementing full PRSPs. This involves an assessment of the PRSPs of Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, and examination of the actions taken after launching the PRSPs and a comparison with the experiences of Moldova and Uzbekistan in developing PRSPs. In identifying the key challenges, the study assesses the depth of integration of the PRSP in the budget process; the existence of sector strategies/work plans with clear priorities in the PRSP framework; and the extent to which indicators, monitoring and feedback arrangements have been put in place and utilized effectively.