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The Social and Behaviour Change Working Group (SBC WG) is a forum to exchange malaria SBC best practices and experiences; mobilise political and technical resources to position SBC as a core component of malaria control; and promote the development of theory-informed, evidence-based SBC programming at the country level.

Featured Resource

2022 Update: Malaria SBC Program Guidance in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic. Available in EnglishFrench, and Portuguese. This guidance can be found under Resources.

 


Leadership

Co-Chairs:
Gabrielle Hunter                          Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs
Nabukenya Mariam Wamala      Uganda National Malaria Control Program
 
Coordinator:
Ashley Riley                                 Breakthrough ACTION

Rationale

Malaria interventions depend on human behaviour in order to be successful. Although malaria is preventable and treatable, it continues to be a major cause of death and morbidity in endemic countries, with over three billion people at risk. World Health Organization (WHO) member countries have put forth a bold vision of a malaria-free world, aiming to reduce the global malaria burden by 90 percent, by 2030. A concerted worldwide effort has resulted in a more than 60 percent drop in malaria mortality globally since 2001. Progress has depended on the introduction of effective technologies, new drugs, and large-scale efforts to make commodities accessible to those who are vulnerable. Progress has also depended on the creation of demand for products and services, appropriate use, and changes in underlying social norms related to malaria prevention and treatment. The integration of high-quality social and behaviour change (SBC) into malaria strategic plans is essential in order to reach targets to prevent, treat, control, and eventually eliminate the disease.

Social and behaviour change encompasses health communication, social and community mobilization. With components ranging from interpersonal communication between a community health worker and their client to multi-level mass media campaigns, evidence-based and theory-driven SBC interventions are an integral part of all types of health promotion and disease prevention and have been shown to significantly improve behaviours. Human behaviour and community engagement are essential elements in the fight against malaria  – and most importantly – without social and behaviour change we cannot sustain the gains and prevent sliding backward.

The SBC WG produces, maintains, and disseminates key global resources, such as the Strategic Framework for Malaria Social and Behaviour Change Communication 2018-2030.


Upcoming Events

SBC WG General Calls and other virtual events are available in English, French, and Portuguese. Use the links below to register for upcoming calls. Recordings and presentations are uploaded to the SBC WG General Call tab.


February General Call - Join the RBM Partnership SBC Working Group and the Alliance for Malaria Prevention for a joint webinar on working with community-based structures. ​

- Date: Thursday, February 29 - 8:00 AM Washington, DC / 13h Accra / 14h Luanda / 15h Lusaka / 16h Addis

- Interpretation: English, français, português

- Register: https://jh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdOChrjwpGtAL8LFMQoH6Arn_3BPFJ-B4

Resources

Social and Behavior Change Working Group (SBC WG) ToR
2022 Update: Malaria Social and Behaviour Change Program Guidance in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic
Strategic Framework for Malaria Social and Behaviour Change Communication 2018-2030
Malaria Social and Behavior Change Communication Indicator Reference Guide: Second Edition
Developing M&E Plans for Malaria Social and Behavior Change Programs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Checklist for Reporting on Malaria Social and Behavior Change Program Evaluations
DHS Malaria SBCC Module