IT'S GOOD TO RECONNECT
It's wonderful to reconnect with Dr. Trevor Webb, who previously served as our BI consultant and is now attached to the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila in the same capacity. We virtually convened once more to seek his initial feedback on the newly developed draft of the National Behavioural Insights Blueprint. Also present at this meeting was Ms. Liyann Ooi, a Behavioural Insights Consultant from the WHO Office for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. The National Blueprint for Behavioural Insights serves as a comprehensive framework aimed at harnessing the power of behavioural science to enhance health outcomes.
This blueprint outlines strategies and pathways for accelerating the adoption of behavioural insights within the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The proposed key strategic thrust in this blueprint is based on the foundation from both Ministry of Health Malaysia's Health White Paper and the WHO Resolution on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health. Also present in this meeting, alongside the usual members from the BI Unit, are Ms. Ermiyati and Ms. Haryati, who are currently being mobilized and temporarily assigned to the BI Unit until the end of July 2024. We at BI Unit believe the technical expertise brings invaluable insights and guidance, helping to refine strategies and ensure alignment with best practices locally and globally.
The BI Unit IHBR
ENGAGING COLLABORATION VIA PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO DEFINING THE ROLE OF A BI FOCAL PERSON
An online meeting was held between BI Unit, Health Education Division, and the heads of the Health Promotion Units from every state on April 30, 2024. The meeting followed a previous session on Health Promotion Management Meeting on March 20204 in Terengganu and aimed to discuss the details of the terms of reference for the BI focal person. This reference was initially established and presented during a workshop on Embedding Behavioural Insights for Better Health in October 2023. Subsequent consultations with several Health Education Officers helped identify job scopes within BI relevant to them.
The latest terms of reference have been divided into three main levels, comprising the BI Unit as the national secretariat, the Health Education Division, and State Health Departments. Ms. Suraya, the Director of the Health Education Division, and Dr. Manimaran, the Director of the Institute for Health Behavioural Research, were present at the meeting. The development of the terms of reference employed a participatory approach. This method encouraged collaboration and engagement, allowing diverse perspectives to be considered in drafting a comprehensive and well-rounded terms of reference. The process fostered ownership and buy-in, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the job scope. The meeting led to minor alterations in the utilization of specific terminologies, necessitating a more detailed specification and clear justification of the work within BI initiative. The meeting concluded with a fitting finale—a group photograph taken in front of the WHO logo, symbolizing unity, collaboration, and shared commitment towards a common cause.
The BI Unit IHBR
MAPPING OUT PRIORITIES IN A JOINT WORKPLAN MEETING
On April 24th, 2024, a joint plan meeting convened between the BI Unit and the World Health Organization Malaysia Country Office Cyberjaya, following the initial meeting at the Institute for Health Behavioural Research in March. BI Unit was presented by Dr. Saiful, Ms. Guna and Ms. Durra. Discussion primarily focused on operationalizing the BI Unit plan of action and refining strategies to streamline capacity-building efforts within the MOH BI framework and priority areas.
Later in the evening, the discussions were joined by the presence of Dr. Deepa Gamage, a public health specialist in disease control, Dr. Natalia Wroblewska, a public health Specialist specializing in health promotion & determinants, and Muhammad Aizat Mohammad Nazli, a Mental Health Consultant, all from the WHO Malaysia Country Office. The meeting was very smooth where the fertile ground of collaboration yielded a bountiful harvest of ideas and strategies.
The BI Unit IHBR
INTEGRATING BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS INTO NATIONAL HEALTH LITERACY
The townhall session held from 22nd to 24th April 2024 at Hotel Lexis Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, aimed to integrate behavioural insights into the draft of National Health Literacy Policy, specifically targeting Strategic Thrust Number 3, which focuses on strengthening health literacy governance. This initiative is in alignment with the WHO Resolution on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health, emphasizing the importance of utilizing behavioural science to develop effective, equitable, and human-centered health policies across sectors.
The session saw participation from various stakeholders representing ministries such as the Ministry of Human Resource, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transport, and few more. Dr. Saiful, representing the Behavioural Insights Unit of the Ministry of Health, played a significant role in facilitating the discussions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders towards in one of the group work session during the townhall session. We extend our gratitude to the Health Education Division for extending this invitation.
The BI Unit IHBR
INNOVATIVE MINDS GATHER: WORKSHOP EXPERIENCES FROM MANILA
In public health, understanding social and behavioural factors is crucial for effective risk communication and community engagement. Strengthening skills in this area aligns with the resolution on behavioural sciences for better health adopted at the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly. Additionally, Member States endorsed two related frameworks – the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) and the Regional Action Framework on Communication for Health – during the seventy-fourth session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October 2023.
On April 11th to 12th, 2024, the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila held a workshop on using social and behavioural insights to support risk communications in the context of emergencies in the Western Pacific region.The objectives of the workshop are:
- To strengthen the use of social and behavioural insights by Member States by presenting and discussing the results of the COVID-19 Perceptions and Behavioural Insights Survey and In-depth Interviews.
- To map challenges and opportunities related to the use of social and behavioural insights to inform risk communication activities and operationalization of Communication for Health (C4H) in the context of emergencies.
- To determine a draft list of priority actions for Member States to promote the collection and application of social and behavioural insights in the context of emergency preparedness and response.
Malaysia was represented by Ms. Gunasundari Marimuthu, Health Education Officer from the Behavioural Insights Unit, Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia. She had the chance to discuss Malaysia's experience in applying behavioural insights during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparing for the endemic phase. Also presenting at the workshop was Ms. Elena Altieri, Head of the Behavioural Insights Unit at the World Health Organization Headquarters. We had the opportunity to deliver a brief update on the progress of the behavioural Insights Unit in IHBR and discuss our future directions.
The BI Unit IHBR
CME ON BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS TO ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
In an effort to advocate the use of behavioural insights approach within the Ministry of Health Malaysia workforce, a continuous medical education session was organized on April 2nd, 2024. Dr. Saiful shared his views on the concept of behavioural insights and why it is useful to utilize this approach in the development of policy or intervention strategies that are not only more effective but also more conducive to long-term behavioural change.
One important aspect that we emphasize to participants is the concept of the behaviour intention gap, which refers to the disparity between what individuals intend to do and what they actually do when it comes to adopting healthy lifestyles. This gap often arises due to various factors such as conflicting priorities, environmental influences, habitual patterns, and emotional responses.
The one-hour online session was evidenced by a remarkable turnout of over 1,300 participants from various departments and division within Ministry of Health participants. This overwhelming participation underscored the keen interest and enthusiasm among the ministry's workforce in embracing innovative approaches to enhance public health outcomes.
The BI Unit IHBR
WELCOME ON BOARD!
We are delighted to announce and extend a warm welcome to our newest team member, Ms. Gunasundari Marimuthu, who has officially joined the Behavioural Insights Unit at IHBR since March 18th, 2024. Previously, she worked in the Health Education Division at the Ministry of Health Malaysia Headquarters.
With extensive experience in drafting health promotion policies at the national level, she brings invaluable expertise and benefits to our team. Currently pursuing her doctorate in health communication, we eagerly anticipate her completion of the program. (Here's hoping her viva date arrives soon!) We aspire to undertake more exciting projects and enhance the strength and pace of our efforts in behavioural insights.
The BI Unit IHBR
FORGE AHEAD: UPM AND COLLABORATIVE EXPANSION IN FOCUS
We first learned about UPM UNICEF C4D during our attendance at the Asia Pacific Social and Behaviour Change Communication Regional Symposium in October 2023. It was there that we discovered they were also engaged in work related to behaviour insights. This realization sparked our interest in connecting with them to explore potential areas of collaboration.
UPM UNICEF C4D Programme is a partnership between UPM & UNICEF, particularly with the communication department in the Faculty of Communication and Modern Languages. The partnership is an initiative by both parties to provide trainings and consultation services, modules development as well as action research and interventions within the scope of mental health in communication. We were glad to have hosted the meeting on March 7th, 2024, during which we discussed further potential collaborations, particularly in conducting behaviour insights projects, capacity building, and developing behaviour insights learning materials. Dr. Diyana Kasimon, Deputy Director of UPM UNICEF C4D, led the team along with her delegation. Their presence marked a significant step forward in fostering long term collaboration between BI Unit and UPM UNICEF C4D.
The BI Unit IHBR
GUIDING TOWARDS WELLNESS HUB SERVICES
The Wellness Hub is one of the initiatives under the Ministry of Health Malaysia aimed at enhancing community health quality by promoting healthy lifestyles, health promotion services, self-care, and environmental cleanliness. The BI Unit is pleased to shed light on effective methods for encouraging community engagement with services at all 33 Wellness Hubs currently established across the country. Dr. Saiful, Head of the BI Unit, emphasized the significance of conducting a thorough behavioural diagnosis and understanding the community profile.
He highlighted that this data serves as a crucial baseline for crafting targeted intervention strategies with the potential to make an impact, effectively addressing specific needs and preferences. This ensures that the Wellness Hub's services are accessible and appealing to all. The session was held in conjunction with the Wellness Hub Management and Technical Meeting on 7th March 2024, with the attendance of Wellness Hub coordinators from across the nation.
The BI Unit IHBR
THANK YOU JOHOR!
On March 5th, 2024, the BI Unit received an invitation from the Health Promotion Unit of the Johor State Health Department to discuss a proposed behaviour insights project. The meeting primarily aimed to explore potential strategies to promote healthier behaviours, especially among school children.
A comprehensive proposal was presented, targeting the promotion of healthy lifestyle among school-aged children. Dr. Saiful, the Head of BI Unit, critically reviewed the technical aspects of the proposed project and provided valuable feedback to enhance its effectiveness. Entry Additionally the Johor Health Department sought advice and clarification regarding the classification of previous health promotion projects within the community as behaviour insights initiatives specifically about projects related to waste management and community participation in weekly mass cleaning activities.
The collaboration between BI Unit and the Johor Health Department underline the importance of expanding behavioural insights to design and implement impactful health promotion strategies. Through such partnerships and initiatives, efforts to foster healthier lifestyles and communities can be significantly enhanced.
The BI Unit IHBR
INTEGRATING BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS INTO COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING AT THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Our ongoing commitment to enhancing the utilization of behavioural insights within the Ministry of Health (MOH) remains steadfast, as we actively seek opportunities to incorporate behaviour insights into competency-based training programs. In line with this objective, we organized a three-day workshop at the Scholars Suite in Tanjung Malim Perak from February 27th to 29th. The workshop aimed to introduce behavioural insights to several representatives responsible for organizing competency-based training within MOH.
During the workshop, Ms. Durra delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the significance of applying behavioural insights in policy formulation. She emphasized the relevance of behavioural insights in addressing various challenges faced by the healthcare sector. This discussion is particularly significant, as it aligns with the WHO Resolution on behavioural Sciences for Better Health, demonstrating Malaysia's commitment to prioritizing behavioural insights as a crucial agenda item. By sharing insights and knowledge on the integration of behavioural insights into competency-based training, we aim to equip MOH representatives with the tools and understanding necessary to effectively incorporate behavioural science principles into their training programs
The BI Unit IHBR
LEVERAGING BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS: WORLD BANK GROUP SEMINAR ON POLICY IMPACT
The BI Unit was delighted to receive an invitation from the World Bank Group Malaysia to attend the Seminar on behavioural Insights for Policy Impact scheduled for February 27th, 2024. This invitation signifies recognition of the unit's expertise and contribution in utilizing behavioural insights to inform policy decisions and drive positive societal impact. The seminar aimed to provide participants with a global overview of country experiences and best practices regarding the utilization of behavioural and social insights from economics, psychology, and related fields to address policy challenges.
These encompassed adjusting social incentives around tax payments, enhancing student learning, improving health outcomes, and promoting energy and resource conservation. Through the seminar, the World Bank sought to engage in a strategic dialogue on the opportunities to integrate behavioural insights into policy interventions in Malaysia. A total of three presentation covering diverse topics on behaviour insights were delivered including:
- Michelle Dugas, a behavioural scientist with the World Bank’s Mind, behaviour & Development Unit (eMBeD), within the Poverty and Equity Global Practice on behavioural Science in Policies – Global Review of Country Experiences and Best Practice
- Jonathan George Karver, a behavioural Scientist with the World Bank’s behavioural science unit on behavioural insights for tax compliance.
- Bambang Suharkono Sjahrir, a Senior Economist of the Poverty and Equity Global Practice of the World Bank sharing on Indonesian experience with behavioural science in policies.
The BI Unit IHBR
THE SCIENCE OF BEHAVIOUR CHANGE: BEYOND COMMON ASSUMPTIONS
From January 29th to 31st, Dr. Saiful Adli bin Suhaimi, Head of the Behaviour Insights Unit, was invited to participate in the Workshop for the Production of Promotional Materials for the National Health Promotion Campaign 2024/2025, hosted in Port Dickson. The workshop was organized by the Health Education Division and attended by various health professionals, including pharmacists, medical officers, dietitians, and health education officers.
During this workshop, Dr. Saiful delivered a comprehensive two-hour lecture focusing on the content development for the campaign as well as employing nudges as a strategic approach. His presentation emphasized the critical importance of interpreting baseline data to ensure that the campaign strategy is custom-tailored to effectively target specific demographics and induce behaviour change. This insightful discourse aimed to equip attendees with the necessary knowledge and tools to craft impactful promotional materials that resonate with the intended audience and drive tangible health outcomes.
The BI Unit IHBR
BEHAVIOUR INSIGHTS REFRESHER: EMPOWERING OUR TEAM FOR SUCCESS
In a significant stride towards fostering a shared understanding of applying behaviour insights for health, our team recently concluded a highly successful CME on 4th January 2024. This initiative aimed at ensuring every team member in IHBR is equipped with the knowledge and understanding the concept and definition of behaviour science and behaviour insights contributing to a unified approach in our pursuit of health-related goals. Through interactive sessions participants gained valuable insights into the dynamics of individual and collective behaviours.
The successful completion of the refresher course signifies a milestone achievement for our team, establishing a consistent level of understanding in the application of behaviour insights for health. This shared knowledge base is expected to enhance our decision-making processes, drive positive health-related behaviours, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of our organization. The commitment of our team to ongoing learning and development reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of advancements in healthcare and ensuring the highest standard of care for those we serve.
The BI Unit IHBR
WELCOMING THE YEAR OF 2024!
Behaviour science are now focusing not only on individual actions but also on the behaviour of entire systems that can adapt and change. This shift recognizes that the outcomes of policies often come from the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable interactions of many individuals, groups, and institutions within a large network. In these complex systems, people interact in ways that aren't coordinated, leading to patterns at the system level that can't be easily predicted by looking at individual behaviours or preferences. The intricate nature of human behaviour, influenced by diverse cultural and societal factors, poses difficulties in crafting interventions that effectively address these complexities. Balancing the need for valuable insights with concerns surrounding data privacy and ethical considerations remains pivotal. The integration of behavioural interventions into existing healthcare systems requires concerted efforts to align with clinical practices and policies. Sustaining positive behaviour change over the long term and ensuring inclusivity in technological advancements are ongoing challenges. Additionally, resource constraints, adaptability to unforeseen health crises, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology, medicine, public health, and data science are crucial considerations in navigating the evolving landscape of behavioural insights in health for the year 2024.
The BI Unit IHBR