Strengthening Capacity for SBCC in Bangladesh: Abstract

"BKMI uses both formal (workshops, courses, trainings) and informal (day-to-day hands-on mentoring) approaches to strengthening capacity at three levels: individual, organization and system."

The focus of this Bangladesh Knowledge Management Initiative (BKMI) presentation for the International SBCC Summit 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 8-10, is on social and behavior change communication (SBCC) capacity strengthening in Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

From the abstract:
"Since 2011, the USAID-funded Bangladesh Knowledge Management Initiative (BKMI) has been providing social and behavior change communication (SBCC) capacity strengthening and technical assistance to three Units of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW): Bureau of Health Education (BHE), Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN), and Information, Education, Motivation (IEM). BKMI works to bring sustainable changes within the MoHFW to establish a system for evidence-based and result-oriented planning, design and implementation of SBCC interventions. BKMI uses both formal (workshops, courses, trainings) and informal (day-to-day hands-on mentoring) approaches to strengthening capacity at three levels: individual, organization and system.

Key Highlights:
Organizational Capacity Assessment results show quantitative improvements in all three Units since the beginning of the project. Qualitative improvements among the Units’ staffs are evident. The Line Directors and senior staff feel more ownership of capacity strengthening activities, and are actively looking for, and following up on, opportunities to coordinate SBCC with other Units. The three Units are becoming more systematic in their SBCC production efforts, and are learning how to follow an established process for developing strategic communication. MoHFW officials are exhibiting more confidence, and are able to communicate more professionally and effectively during meetings."