Publication Date August 1, 2022 Research & Evidence

Learning From the Past: The Role of Social and Behavior Change Programming in Public Health Emergencies

Behavioral responses to emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are the first line of defense to mitigate their spread. This article, published in Global Health: Science and Practice, analyzes responses to EIDs to identify lessons for improving public health responses. These lessons relate to community engagement, trust through transparent risk communication, audience segmentation for tailored interventions, prioritizing behaviors, and strengthening political will. The authors, including staff from MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience, conclude with the need to engage social scientists, including social and behavior change experts, in the initial response to infectious disease outbreaks, to reduce mortality and improve efficiency in time-sensitive situations.

Publication Date May 1, 2021 Training & Guidance

Behaviorally Focused Applied Political Economy Analysis

It is important for agencies supporting health systems in low and middle-income countries to focus on methodologies and tools that facilitate feasible, scalable, and appropriate responses to public health challenges that do not show significant progress even after substantial effort toward improvement. The Behaviorally Focused Applied Political Economy Analysis (BF-APEA), developed by MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership, is a methodology that facilitates a holistic approach to these challenges. The BF-APEA maps visible and invisible causes behind challenges and then determines effective solutions to sustainable health outcomes.

Publication Date August 1, 2023 Program & Technical Resources

Where Do We Go From Here: Using a Behaviorally Focused Applied Political Economy Analysis to Strengthen Continuing Professional Development

In Ghana, MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership partnered with the country’s Nursing and Midwifery Council to conduct a Behaviorally Focused Applied Political Economy Analysis (BF-APEA) process on continuing professional development (CPD) for nurses and midwives. Stakeholders and decision makers were brought together to discuss goals for CPD, impediments to achieving those goals, and key behaviors required of stakeholders to address those impediments. Primary research was also conducted with providers, supervisors, policymakers, stakeholders, and other individuals who could offer insight and understanding on the challenges and motivations faced in practicing these key behaviors. This executive summary and report shares the findings of this process, as well as a co-created set of recommendations and solutions for the future of CPD in Ghana.

Publication Date April 1, 2022 Training & Guidance

Improving Postnatal Maternal Nutrition: How to use behavior profiles

This technical brief from MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership explains how to customize and use postnatal maternal nutrition behavioral profiles on diet diversity and diet quantity to help program managers, researchers, and implementers translate nutrition guidance for women during the postnatal period into program actions that improve practices.