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, aims to explore the institutional capacity, barriers, and facilitators influencing SBC implementation within selected organizations working on SBC in Addis Ababa.
By engaging key stakeholders, program managers, and frontline implementers, the study seeks to generate actionable insights that can strengthen SBC systems and inform future programming and policy.
Study Objectives
• Explore organizational capacity for designing, implementing, and evaluating SBC interventions
• To understand structural, operational, and contextual barriers to effective SBC implementation
• Explore enabling factors that support successful SBC integration across sectors
• Generate recommendations to enhance institutional readiness and cross-sectoral collaboration
Methodology & Framework
This is a qualitative study using in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with SBC practitioners and decision-makers. The study is guided by global SBC systems strengthening frameworks, notably the UNICEF-WHO SBC Indicator Framework, and draws 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.
Anticipated Outputs
The study is expected to yield the following:
• 📘 A comprehensive SBC capacity assessment report highlighting sector-specific gaps, strengths, and needs
• 🧩 Evidence-based strategies for SBC capacity strengthening across institutions
• 🌱 Identification of best practices and enabling factors for effective SBC implementation
• 🏛️ Policy and institutional recommendations to support SBC integration and scale-up
• 🤝 Stakeholder-driven solutions co-designed through participatory workshops
• 🗺️ An implementation roadmap informed by validated findings and behavioral science insights
• 🔗 Strengthened collaboration with SBC networks, including AS-SBC and UNICEF Ethiopia
Current Status
🛠️ Preparatory work is complete, including development of interview guides, ethical protocols, and organizational mapping.
📋 Fieldwork is scheduled to begin soon, with data collection planned across selected institutions in Addis Ababa.
📌 The team is finalizing logistical arrangements and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure inclusive and context-sensitive implementation.
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.