Project Overview Social and Behavior Change (SBC) is a cornerstone of effective public health programming. Yet, its implementation across institutions often faces challenges related to capacity, coordination, and contextual relevance. This qualitative study, led by EHEPA, aimed to explore the institutional capacity, barriers, and facilitators influencing the Designing, Implementation, and Monitoring and Evaluation of SBC interventions within selected organizations working on SBC in Ethiopia. By engaging key stakeholders, program managers, and frontline implementers from different sectors, the study has generated actionable insights that can strengthen SBC systems and inform future programming and policy. Study Objectives This study aimed to: To explore the existing organizational capacity for planning, implementing, and monitoring/evaluation of SBC interventions in selected organizations in Ethiopia. To explore barriers (structural, operational, and contextual) that hinder effective SBC programming in selected organizations in Ethiopia To identify facilitators and promising practices that contribute to successful SBC intervention. Methodology & Framework This is a qualitative study used in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with SBC practitioners and decision-makers. The study is guided by global SBC systems strengthening frameworks, notably the UNICEF-WHO SBC Indicator Framework, and draw on principles from implementation science to ensure contextual relevance and practical utility. Participants include: • SBC focal persons and technical advisors • Communication and advocacy specialists • Program managers and coordinators • Monitoring and evaluation officers • Senior representatives from government agencies, NGOs, community-based, faith-based, and development partner organizations engaged in health promotion and SBC programming. Main activities performed: A tool validation workshop was conducted with the participation of diverse stakeholders and partners representing multiple sectors to ensure the relevance and appropriateness of the data collection tools (IDI/KII topic guides and organizational SBC Assessment checklist). Data collection process has been conducted from November to December 2025, and IDI and KII data were conducted and thematically analyzed. Alongside, the SBC capacity assessment checklist has been completed, thoroughly reviewed, cleaned, and analyzed to ensure data accuracy and relevance. Report of the main findings has been produced and documented under clear thematic areas (i.e., Organizational Roles and Capacity, SBC Designing/Planning, SBC Implementation, SBC intervention Mentoring/Evaluation, SBC sustainability, and Participants’ Recommendations). , Findings from the qualitative data checklist and the SBC capacity assessment checklist have been triangulated. Outcomes of the study: After this study, the following are generated: A comprehensive SBC capacity assessment report highlighting the existing SBC organizational capacity and facilitators/barriers of SBC interventions in Ethiopia Evidence was generated on the existing capacity for planning, implementing, and monitoring SBC interventions within health and development organizations Key barriers that hinder effective SBC programming across these organizations were identified. The best practices and facilitating factors that contribute to successful SBC implementation were explored. Future Plan: Validating the findings and preparing a stakeholders-driven solutions co-designed through a participatory consultative workshop based on the main findings of the study. An implementation roadmap (action plan) informed by validated findings and behavioral science insights. A virtual seminar will be organized and delivered by EHEPA to present the key findings of this study. Writing manuscript(s) based on the final report to disseminate the study findings through publication on peer reviewed reputable journal(s). Preparation and provision of policy brief and institutional recommendations to support SBC integration and scale-up. Strengthened collaboration with SBC networks, including AS-SBC and UNICEF Ethiopia. Tool validation workshop (November 25, 2025): Qualitative data collection training (November 27-28, 2025) Why This Matters? This study supports EHEPA’s mission to advance evidence-based health education and promotion in Ethiopia. By identifying practical solutions and systemic gaps, the findings will contribute to more effective, scalable, and sustainable SBC interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes and community engagement. Funding & Collaboration This project is generously funded by UNICEF Ethiopia and ethically approved by the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) Institutional Review Board. It reflects EHEPA’s commitment to advancing SBC through evidence-generation and knowledge transfer. Contact & Follow-Up For more information or to engage with the study: 📞Mobile (EHEPA): +251 907 555 599 📧 Email: info@ehepa.org 🌐 Website: https://ehepa.org
