Background and challenges Socially vulnerable, marginalized groups (HIV infected individuals, persons with mental disabilities, intravenous drug users (IDUs), terminally ill patients, etc.) in Georgia are experiencing severe and long-standing crisis preconditioned by poverty and stigmatization, especially, due to their poor financial status, powerlessness and stigmatization. Their invisibility and exclusion from the decision-making processes lead to two main problems: those living on the margins do not have equal access to health resources and assistance, and services they could benefit from do not counter their needs. Overall, the priority goal of the OSGF PHU is and will be to promote the healthcare related issues of marginal, socially vulnerable people, advance the health and human rights of marginalized groups by building the capacity of civil society actors and organizations, increase civil society and marginalized group involvement in health policy-making, enhance transparency and accountability of government towards public health issues. The priority directions for the OSGF PHU in 2009-2011 will be:
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