- Project Report
Mainstreaming behavioural sciences into institutions responsible for public health: monitoring framework and indicators
World Health Organization
- June 22, 2026
- 11:25 am
SECTOR
PROJECT TYPE
DOI
Location
BEHAVIORAL THEME
OVERVIEW
This World Health Organization (WHO) technical report provides the first global monitoring framework and indicator set for assessing how behavioural sciences are integrated into institutions responsible for public health. Developed with contributions from WHO and Busara researchers, the report introduces a practical framework for helping governments and public health agencies institutionalize behavioural science in policy, research, service delivery, and decision-making. Notably, the report and its accompanying work were highlighted during a side event at the World Health Assembly (WHA) 2026 hosted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where WHO, Member States, and partners discussed global progress in mainstreaming behavioural sciences for better health.
Research Questions
- What does it mean to mainstream behavioural sciences within public health institutions?
- What institutional conditions are necessary for behavioural sciences to influence policy, programmes, service delivery, and health outcomes?
- How can countries systematically measure progress toward integrating behavioural sciences into public health systems?
- What indicators can be used globally to assess institutional capacity, application, leadership support, coordination, and behavioural science utilization?
- How can WHO Member States monitor and report progress in implementing WHA Resolution 76.7 on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health?
Methods
The framework and indicators were developed through a structured multi-stage process led by WHO and collaborators. The process included:
- Internal consultations and situational analysis.
- Key informant interviews with experts from ministries of health, WHO offices, academia, international organizations, and behavioural science institutions.
- Development of a conceptual framework and draft indicators.
- Public consultation and stakeholder feedback.
- External technical review and validation before finalization.
THEMATIC AREAS
Key Findings
- Behavioural sciences should not be treated as isolated projects but embedded into the routine functions of public health institutions.
- Successful mainstreaming requires progress across three interconnected pathway: Policy Engagement, Research Projects & Capacity Building
- The report introduces the Institutional Impact Model (IIM), which explains how behavioural science becomes institutionalized through changes in leadership support, policy processes, workforce capabilities, and research systems.
- A new monitoring framework called RECAPPS (Research, Engagement, Capacity, Application and Strategy) provides 12 indicators for tracking progress.
- Institutional change is viewed as a prerequisite for broader health-system transformation, making ministries, agencies, and public health institutions the primary focus of monitoring efforts.
- Countries at different stages of maturity can use the framework to establish baselines, set targets, monitor progress, and report achievements at national, regional, and global levels.
- Case studies from Malaysia, Canada, and Mali demonstrate different pathways for integrating behavioural sciences into public health governance and practice.
Implications for Policy or Development
- Provides WHO Member States with a common framework for operationalizing WHA Resolution 76.7: Behavioural Sciences for Better Health.
- Gives ministries of health a practical tool to assess readiness, build institutional capacity, establish behavioural insights functions, and monitor progress over time.
- Creates a standardized global language and measurement system for behavioural science integration, enabling benchmarking across countries and regions.
- Encourages governments to move beyond one-off behavioural interventions toward sustained institutional adoption of behavioural science approaches.
- Supports stronger evidence-informed policymaking, people-centred health systems, and more effective public health programmes by embedding behavioural insights into planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.