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Catalyzing Social and Behavior Change

Social and behavior change communication (SBCC) is an integral element in the delivery of high-impact nutrition interventions and the prevention of undernutrition, especially during the critical first 1,000 days. SPRING places a heightened focus on SBCC as a key and fundamental, cross-cutting strategy to address both stunting and anemia.

Human behavior is complex—an array of complex factors influence people's everyday decisions to test, adopt, and ultimately internalize and sustain new or modified behaviors. SPRING embraces a behavior-centered approach to promote adoption of high-impact, nutrition-related behaviors. The project supports countries, districts, groups, households, and individuals in adopting and sustaining high-impact nutrition practices by

  • Promoting specific individual and group behaviors—among mothers, fathers, caregivers, nutrition and health service providers, farmers, peer networks, and others;
  • Shifting social attitudes, structures, and norms regarding those behaviors; and
  • Ensuring an enabling environment that promotes and/or supports social change and positive change in nutrition behaviors.

News

Close up image of adolescent boys and girls smiling at the camera.
March 2018
The SPRING project worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) Evidence and Programme Guidance Unit, Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, to develop Guideline: Implementing Effective Actions for Improving Adolescent Nutrition. This...
Group of people around a latrine
November 2015
Today, more people have access to mobile phones than to toilets, according to the WHO. While this may sound unbelievable, it is a daily reality for the 2.4 billion people without adequate sanitation. To highlight this lack, the SPRING project is part...
adolescent girl smiling into camera
March 2015
Good eating practices among adolescent girls and young women are a critical component of good nutrition in the First 1,000 Days. Recognizing the importance of focusing on this key population, SPRING is partnering with nutrition leaders to push the ag...