Tools and resources for behavioural and cultural insights
6 November 2026 | Questions and answers
A rich pool of evidence, theoretical frameworks and practical methods exist to help health authorities apply more effective approaches to health behaviours. Drawing on this evidence, WHO has developed several guidance documents, policy considerations, reports and case examples.
In addition, WHO developed A guide to tailoring health programmes as detailed step-by-step guidance on applying behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) to health care.
The tailoring health programme approach comprises 4 phases, each involving several steps, as well as a theoretical model and a theory of change. Exercises are offered to help prioritize, move from one step to another, and translate research findings into an evidence-informed intervention. The guide includes a toolbox with clear and detailed instructions for end-to-end BCI projects.
The Behavioural and Cultural Insights (BCI) Unit published A guide to tailoring health programmes as detailed step-by-step guidance on applying BCI to health care.
The tailoring health programme approach comprises 4 phases, each involving several steps, as well as a theoretical model and a theory of change. Exercises are offered to help prioritize, move from one step to another, and translate research findings into an evidence-informed intervention. The guide includes a toolbox with clear and detailed instructions for end-to-end BCI projects.
The Behavioural and Cultural Insights (BCI) Unit is continually expanding its BCI policy brief series. So far, policy briefs have been developed for the following areas of work:
- Better letters – evidence and considerations from the behavioural sciences
- Measuring and maximizing public support for health policies
- Sustainable behaviours for environment and health challenges
- Behavioural and cultural insights for mpox control and elimination
- Health workers in focus: policies and practices for successful public response to COVID-19 vaccination.
The BCI-Hub.org was set up to share and showcase evidence and good practice in behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) for health. The site brings together content from past, present and future projects related to BCI, created by both WHO and external partners.
The platform features insights from countries around the world, with a focus on those in Europe and central Asia. The examples show how BCI is applied to various health focus areas, such as cancer, antimicrobial resistance, vaccines and immunization, the health impacts of climate change, and rising mental health challenges.
The hub was developed and is maintained by the University of Exeter's WHO Collaborating Centre on Culture and Health in partnership with WHO/Europe’s BCI Unit.