The first ever global resolution on behavioural sciences for health is a reality. This milestone agreement highlights the importance of behavioural sciences in understanding the factors that affect healthy behaviours and in tackling key public health challenges. Adopted by the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly on 29 May 2023, it aligns closely with the WHO European regional resolution on behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) for health from 2022.
Importance of establishing BCI structures and capacity
Both resolutions require sustainable human and financial resources for behavioural science in public health. They also call for establishing functions or units to undertake this work in a systematic way. Many Member States have already set up such structures or expressed interest in doing so.
Considerations for setting up BCI units or structures
To assist countries in setting up BCI units or enabling structures, the BCI Unit at WHO/Europe published a guidance document in 2022. Based on interviews with key experts and individuals who themselves have set up BCI units, eight considerations emerged as helpful for guiding discussions.
- Ensure buy-in and involve stakeholders.
- Determine location.
- Identify funding.
- Develop a strategy.
- Plan staffing and upskilling.
- Identify focus areas of health.
- Plan projects – what is the right mix of complex projects and “early wins” for your organization?
- Manage ethical questions.
The guide provides examples and ideas for each point, and the BCI Unit at the Regional Office can provide further support to those looking to establish BCI Units or capacity in their national health authority. Contact: euinsights@who.int
Regional BCI meeting to advance the implementation of the regional resolution
To help advance implementation of the regional resolution, WHO/Europe will convene its first ever regional meeting on BCI for health in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 12–14 September 2023. The meeting will provide an opportunity for public health authorities across the Region to exchange case examples; discuss barriers and drivers to a range of health challenges; and explore progress in integrating BCI for health into health systems.