Building capacity to embed behavioural insights for better health outcomes in Malaysia

Human behaviour, influenced by psychological, social/cultural, and environmental factors, shapes individual health and well-being. Behavioural insights leverage this understanding to design policies and interventions that encourage positive behaviours. The WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore in collaboration with the Institute of Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia co-organized a 3-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur to build capacity on behavioural insights for better health among Health Education Officers from the Ministry of Health at Federal and State levels.

Malaysia moved its first-ever resolution at the 76th World Health Assembly in May 2023 on the use of behavioural science for better health. This workshop was held in alignment with the ‘Behavioural sciences for better health’ resolution that was adopted at this World Health Assembly, which calls on Member States to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals in implementing behavioural science approaches in patient care and various public health functions.