SSLN Webinar | Social and Behavior Change (SBC) for HIV Prevention

Introduction

The landscape of HIV prevention is shifting. We are moving beyond a product-centric approach towards a user-centered Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategy. This aligns with UNAIDS and WHO's focus on promoting health equity and empowering individuals to make informed choices. By addressing the root causes of risky behavior and fostering enabling environments, SBC empowers beneficiaries to take charge of their health journey. This marks a new era in HIV prevention, placing individuals at the forefront of a healthier future.

Objectives

Reflect on the core principles and meaning of Social Behaviour Change (SBC) in HIV prevention.
Review research and data that demonstrate the effectiveness of SBC interventions.
Stimulate discussions and generate new ideas for crafting a compelling narrative around combination prevention and driving demand for essential HIV services.

Proceedings

Dr. Ona Machangu, Head of Prevention at the Tanzania National AIDS, STIs & Hepatitis Control Programme (NASHCoP), led the session. He opened with welcoming remarks and introduced the concept of Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) in HIV prevention. A Mentimeter poll helped assess participants' understanding of current prevention strategies.

Brian Pedersen, Technical Advisor, Social & Behaviour Change, FHI 360, led a comprehensive session, "The Effectiveness of SBC for HIV Prevention: Evidence from Research and Practice". His presentation provided attendees with an in-depth understanding of SBC, particularly its key role in promoting positive health behaviours. Drawing on relevant research and real-world examples to bolster his discussion, Pedersen underscored the substantial impact of SBC in the field of HIV prevention.

Following the informative presentation, a lively panel discussion unfolded, moderated by public health specialist Warren Parker. The panelists, representing government (Dr. Daniel Ndukwe), UNAIDS (Clemens Benedikt), independent consulting (Sarah Osman), and implementing partners (Kenneth Mulondo), brought a wealth of experience to the session. Their diverse perspectives enriched the discussion on reshaping prevention methods and boosting demand creation through a Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) approach, offering valuable depth on this crucial topic.

An interactive Q/A session ran throughout the sessions, actively encouraging audience participation. This fostered a lively and engaging environment, ensuring the discussion directly addressed the audience's interests and concerns.

Dr. Ona then concluded the session by summarizing the key takeaways, emphasising the importance of a user-centered approach in Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) efforts. This focus ensures prevention methods are not only effective but resonate with the specific needs of the target population, ultimately shaping a new narrative for combination prevention and driving demand for essential HIV services.