Evidence

Social, behavioural and community engagement (SBCE) interventions are essential for global maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) strategies. Past efforts to synthesise research on SBCE interventions identified a need for clear priorities to guide future research. WHO led an exercise to identify global research priorities for SBCE interventions to improve MNCH. This study combines quantitative and qualitative methods to determine MNCH SBCE intervention research priorities applicable across contexts. This study concludes that achieving global targets for MNCH requires increased investment in SBCE interventions that build capacities of individuals, families and communities as agents of their own health. Findings from this exercise provide guidance to prioritise investments and ensure that they are best directed to achieve global objectives. These priorities can be used by policy makers to guide future research investments and to adapt them for country programs by engaging with national level stakeholders. Click here to read the study.