Social factors, problems and issues associated with them are most acutely felt amongst the vulnerable layers of population and require close attention, care and assistance from the state. For this purpose, each year new projects and campaigns are carried out in the country to address the most acute problems, both economic and social problems: unemployment (especially in the regions and small cities of the country). Targeted social aid is provided to needy populations, large families, invalids, families of martyrs.
Amongst the CIS countries, Azerbaijan provided the hugest funds for the targeted social aid. Some 210 million manat was allocated for 2009.
Being launched four years ago, the program on targeted social aid (TSA) rather quickly implements plans imposed. Thus, the dynamics of the allocated funds for TSA in Azerbaijan is increasing every year. Thus, in 2006 Public budget 39 million manat was allocated for the TSA, in 2007 - 78 million manat, in 2008 - 127.5 million manat.
During the period after the implementation of TSA in Azerbaijan from July 2006, the number of persons receiving TSA in the country reached 179,500 families (817,350 people). The average amount of TSA for one family in the country is 98.19 manat, per person - 21.56 manat.
Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan continues working to improve low-income families. One of the most productive steps is the State program on social rehabilitation of poor families. For already two years, the Ministry has been working to improve the new state program, and the paper will be fully completed by end of the year. Realization of the State program is planned for 2010-2013. The program is based on the advanced world experience in solving problems of poverty.
The pilot regions for the implementation of state program are Guba, Ismayilli, Masalli regions of Azerbaijan, Nizami district of Baku.
Currently State Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development (2008- 2015) is realized in Azerbaijan.
And the Poverty Reduction and Economic Development Program in Azerbaijan in 2003-2005 has reduced the level of poverty in the country from 46.7 percent in 2002 to 29.3 percent in 2005, although it was initially planned to achieve reduction of only 35 percent. In 2007 the poverty rate declined to 15.8 percent.
The political purpose of the government is to the eradicate poverty in Azerbaijan in the period from 2010-2015.