News

WHO and MOH Worked Together, Use Behavioral Science For Health Communications

WHO and MOH worked together to use behavioral science for health communications. Many countries are now moving towards a sustained management approach after the pandemic. Due to that, government eases the COVID-19 restrictions. However, everyone should take precautions. This is because the risks of being infected by COVID-19 are never zero.

Thus, our country should find new measures to communicate about the virus. Malaysia’s Ministry of Health proposed Behavioral Science In Communication as an approach to improve the public’s health. With that, everyone can do the right thing to ensure their safety from the virus.

Picture: John Hopkins Medicine

Also, Malaysia has been collecting data to help the public with their concerns about COVID-19. This has helped the public to gain more knowledge about the virus. World Health Organization (WHO) has worked with Malaysia’s Ministry Of Health (MOH) to run a workshop. The workshop stressed the application of behavioral science for health communication. The workshop lasted for 3 days in late 2021.

The data and skills gained from the workshop produce the basics of designing behavioral insights. Therefore, it would help support the safe reopening of the country. Besides that, it would also assist the public to perform key COVID-19 protective behaviors and vaccine-taking.

MOH Received Support From WHO

To help the public comprehend the COVID-19 protective behaviors, the WHO agreed to help MOH. As the result, they engaged the public to go through group discussions. This is to understand the barriers and motivating factors influencing their behaviors. This also includes their feelings and thoughts about the communication material. MOH and WHO co-developed the materials after consultations.

“Understanding what motivates specific behaviors is important. The methods at different stages of this project allowed us to gather new insights,” said Elena Altieri, Head of the Behavioral Insights Unit at WHO Headquarters.

Additionally, the new communication materials were taken to an online randomized control trial. 4000 Malaysians responded to it. The result revealed the materials performed best in terms of recall, intentions, and sentiment. For instance, a message that provides clear advice on how and when to self-test could maximize the public’s intention to do so. Lastly, the outcome revealed the government to optimize the communication materials in terms of language, design, and process.

Picture: BERNAMA

MOH’s Minister, YB Khairy Jamaluddin said, “Behavioral science is the first line of defense for public health. If you can get people to behave differently, this will strengthen everything else in the healthcare system.”

Source: World Health Organization

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Stranger Things Returns This November And the Upside Down Is Bringing New Secrets With It

Hey creepaholics, the nightmare society is calling for backup!  November is coming to turn your… Read More

1 day ago

HABIB x Zoo Negara Unveil Limited-Edition Gold Wafers Celebrating Malaysia’s Wildlife Heritage

Calling for gold keepers! On October 24, HABIB will launch its exclusive Limited Edition HABIB… Read More

1 day ago

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury… Read More

2 days ago

Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health

Beneath the Armor: Men's Hidden Battle With Mental Health “Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy,… Read More

2 days ago

Carolina Herrera Dares the Good Girl to Move in Audacity!

A touch of elegance, a scent of confidence. Carolina Herrera and Swarovski will bring light… Read More

2 days ago

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.