WHO call for inputs: Indicators to support the mainstreaming of the behavioural sciences into public health

[Patrick Forscher]

Dear Colleagues,

For those of you who made it to ESA-Africa this year, it was lovely to host you in Nairobi. :) I am contacting you about a different matter, however.

My team has been working with the WHO Behavioural Insights Unit to develop a conceptual model detailing how the behavioral sciences should be mainstreamed into national public health, as well as a set of indicators that are derived from the conceptual model. The indicators, in particular, would be used to assess and track the mainstreaming of the behavioral sciences into public health worldwide, in line with Resolution WHA76.7.

We are currently soliciting input on our work on the conceptual model and indicators via a public consultation. This consultation basically consists of a structured survey.

We would greatly appreciate your expert inputs into the conceptual model and indicators. With that in mind, please consider filling out the survey, sharing the invitation with interested colleagues, and/or sending us the contact information of people who you think we should invite to complete the consultation.

Please see the formal invitation below with additional details, along with a link to the consultation itself.

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Dear Colleagues,

 

We hope this email finds you well.

 

The WHO Behavioural Insights Unit has just launched a Call for Inputs to consider when developing indicators to support the mainstreaming of behavioural sciences in public health. The indicators are aligned to Resolution WHA76.7 on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health. The feedback form can be accessed here and the deadline for feedback is the end of Wednesday 8^th October 2025.

 

We think you and your colleagues are well-positioned to comment on these zero draft indicators and would be very grateful if you could provide feedback.

 

Please also forward this to colleagues who you think would have an informed view and be interested to comment. Please copy behavioura...@who.int as you do so that we can keep track and follow-up.

 

The indicators will allow WHO to assess progress in the mainstreaming of behavioural sciences and tailor technical support to Member States. They will also support Member States identify opportunities for greater use of behavioural evidence in policy making, programme design and services delivery in line with Resolution WHA76.7. Resolution WHA76.7, adopted at the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023, called Member States to strengthen the systematic use of behavioural sciences in health and requested WHO’s support in the process. The resolution recognizes that meaningful progress in health depends not only on what policies and services are offered, but on how effectively these are designed to meet people’s needs and adapt to their lived realities. Mainstreaming the behavioural sciences is essential to advance global public health, help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and implement WHO's 14^th General Programme of Work.

 

Following analysis of the feedback to this online consultation, WHO will create a second draft of the indicators, which will be shared with Member States.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for organizations to contribute to the mainstreaming of behavioural sciences in public health. More information can be found here.

 

The deadline for input is the end of Wednesday 8^th October 2025.

 

Thank you for your interest.

  

Kind regards,

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Patrick S. Forscher

Director, Developmental Meta-Research Team

Culture, Research Ethics, MEthods (CREME)

patrick....@busara.global

38 Apple Cross Road, Nairobi, Kenya

www.busara.global/

Check out our book on developmental meta-research, A better how