The Africa Social and Behaviour Change (ASBC) Conference held in Kenya in February 2019 underscored the central role of social and cultural contexts in shaping health-seeking behaviors across African communities. Conference discussions emphasized that cultural norms, beliefs, and practices significantly influence access to and utilization of health services, often acting as barriers to care.
Experts noted that gender dynamics within families, traditional practices, and community trust in health systems frequently delay critical health decisions. For instance, cultural resistance to immunization, home births, and spousal consent requirements for medical care were cited as persistent challenges. The World Health Organization's 2016 report and a Lancet Global Health commission both highlighted the neglect of cultural factors as a major obstacle to equitable healthcare.
A case study presented during the conference was Turkana County's Kimormor model, an integrated mobile service delivery approach combining human and animal health with social development. Implemented by Amref Health Africa with USAID funding, the initiative addresses the unique needs of pastoralist communities by aligning interventions with local customs. This model has improved health service uptake through community-driven dialogue and participatory planning.
Conference participants stressed the need for health programs to engage elders and community leaders as cultural custodians, ensuring policies reflect local knowledge. By fostering structured conversations about health risks and behaviors, stakeholders aim to build sustainable solutions that respect cultural identities while promoting well-being.
The event concluded that social and behavior change must be embedded in health systems to achieve universal health coverage. Emphasizing community ownership, speakers called for strategies that empower individuals to shape their health outcomes through informed, culturally sensitive approaches.
