Behavioural Sciences for Better Health: WHO Resolution and Action Framework

Abstract

Abstract Behavioural factors are important contributors to increasing trends in communicable and non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, injuries, and health emergency risks as well as other health challenges that pose a significant challenge to health systems and increase disease burden globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the adoption of a Resolution on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health to the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly #WHA76, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 21-30 May 2023. Brief summary of the resolution The resolution recognizes that behavioural science is a multidisciplinary scientific approach that deals with human action, its psychological, social, and environmental drivers, determinants and influencing factors. It acknowledges the contribution of behavioural science in achieving improved health outcomes and the value of high-quality data about behaviours in guiding the health sector. It also recognizes that no single discipline can provide a complete understanding of how to support individuals to enact healthier behaviours to achieve improved health outcomes. The resolution notes that behavioural science can facilitate the understanding of how behavioural influences and communications guide decision-making. It highlights the contribution of behavioural science in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and in strengthening prevention of, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies. It also recognizes the importance of building capacity to systematically adopt evidence, including evidence from behavioural science and implementation studies. Finally, it urges member states to mainstream behavioural science approaches in health policies and to advocate for necessary structural considerations including behavioural science teams, units or functions, and for the allocation of sufficient funding and human resources.