Population Situation Analysis (PSA) supported by United Nations Population Fund is available for evidence-based policy making

The Population Situation Analysis (PSA), which was initiated by the Administration of the Government of Georgia and UNFPA, provides the basis for an integrated appraisal of the population and reproductive health dynamics and their linkages and impacts on poverty, inequality and development. The research was conducted in the second half of 2014 by a group of international and local experts headed by the distinguished demographer Dr. Ralph Hakkert.

The Government of Georgia (GoG) considers demography as an important part in the country’s development cycle and addressing demographic challenges was declared among the top priorities of the country. The PSA's key findings and recommendations can serve as an important foundation for the government for elaboration of the demographic strategy, thus contributing to strengthening evidence-based policy-making.

Ms. Lela Bakradze, UNFPA/Georgia Assistant Representative: “The Population Situation Analysis expresses the commitment of the UNFPA to mainstream population dynamics, reproductive health and gender issues into national development strategies as well as in the national dialogue and consultations to define the Post-2015 development agenda priorities. The report has identified the existing challenges and provided recommendations how to address those explicitly adopting human rights, culture and gender perspective.”

The part of the PSA findings are related to the fertility rate in Georgia; according to the report current estimated total fertility rate in Georgia may be one of the highest in Europe and at present encounters itself around the replacement level - 2.0. With proper policies in place and the government support and investment in increasing access to Family Planning services a tremendous impact can be achieved on the reduction of abortion rate and improving women’s health, without affecting fertility rate.

In order to address challenges and support increasing fertility rate the authors recommend going beyond providing monetary incentives to stimulate higher birth rates and include other components of family-friendly policies; include reproductive health as a priority of the State Health Strategy and ensure sustainable government investments towards achieving universal access to Reproductive Health/Family Planning services, especially at the primary healthcare level.

The report emphasizes the need of population data bases and registration systems as well as the importance of collecting gender-sensitive statistical data; improving its quality and accessibility; strengthening human resource capacities in data collection and analysis and the conversion of such data into evidence-based policymaking. The authors feel confident that 2014 Population Census will provide the exhaustive information about the population dynamics in Georgia, while this study will remain a living document that will be regularly updated.

Levan Gurgenidze - Progressing Towards Transparent and Fair Elections in Pakistan: Mapping the Course for Democratic Advancement
Azerbaijan’s energy resources as one of the key elements of Europe’s energy diversification
George Katcharava - On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, there is no alternative to Georgia’s EU and NATO membership to ensure our national security and prosperity