Behavioral Science Champions 5

Cohort 5 of the Behavioral Science Made Easy program brings together a diverse group of 23 professionals committed to applying behavioral science to improve  outcomes of interventions. Participants in this cohort are based in India, Zambia, Pakistan, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Singapore, Jordan, and Nigeria, reflecting the growing international reach of the Africa Behavioral Science Network.

Members of this cohort represent a wide range of professional backgrounds, including public health, global health research, health communication, development practice, psychology, and social and behavior change programming. Many are working at the intersection of health systems strengthening, community engagement, gender equity, and policy advocacy, applying behavioral insights to design and implement programs that influence healthier behaviors. Cohort 5 reflects the multidisciplinary nature of behavioral science today.

Participants bring experience in areas such as research, program implementation, health promotion, digital engagement, and behavioral design, combining local knowledge with global perspectives to address complex public health challenges.

COHORT 5 PRESENTATIONS

Cohort 5 group presentations reflect the application of behavioral science to diverse, real-world challenges across global contexts. The groups explored topics ranging from masculinities and social norms, to improving early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and promoting the use of toilets to discourage open defecation. Across these themes, participants identified key behavioral barriers, defined priority audiences, and designed practical, context-specific interventions using behavioral science frameworks. Their work demonstrates how theory can be translated into actionable strategies to drive meaningful behavior change in health and development.