In April 2025, experts from all ICARS-supported projects had the chance to take part in a hybrid behaviour change training programme, developed and delivered through a collaboration between Makerere University, the University of Manchester, University College London, and the University of Surrey. Funded by the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), the training combined online sessions with an in-person training in Entebbe, Uganda. It was designed to strengthen the capacity of both ICARS-supported project teams in low- and middle-income countries and ICARS staff by introducing a comprehensive behavioural science curriculum alongside a structured approach to behaviour change thinking, enabling participants to apply evidence-based methods to complex implementation challenges.
Behavioural change and AMR
Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a complex and multisectoral challenge, requires systematic efforts to influence the human behaviours that drive it. Behavioural science offers a critical lens to understand and intervene in the patterns of antimicrobial misuse and overuse across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Behaviour change can therefore support the:
- Responsible and appropriate use of antibiotics
- Prevention and control of infections
- Enforcement of regulations
- Uptake of appropriate and sustainable farming practices
- Design of realistic and effective interventions and policies
The training
Delivered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in social and behavioural science, and experience in human, animal, and environmental health practice, the course built foundational and applied knowledge, by focusing on behavioural science principles, theories, and models aligned to ICARS project objectives, with an emphasis on practical application in real-world settings.
Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and interactive sessions, participants gained the skills to make behaviour diagnosis and to design, implement, and evaluate behaviour change interventions that address sector-specific AMR challenges. The key focus was to introduce participants to behavioural science models and frameworks using AMR-sensitive and context-specific examples in biosecurity, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention and control, etc. to ensure relevance and actionable outcomes.
Following the online training, on April 28-30th, selected participants from Cambodia, Colombia, Ghana, Kosovo, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, attended in-person training in Entebbe, Uganda. Through the online and in-person sessions, participants developed the skills to use behavioural science effectively in the context of AMR. They learned to:
- Use appropriate and precise behavioural science terminology, including key concepts such as behavioural specification, behavioural diagnosis, and behaviour change techniques.
- Clearly distinguish between target behaviours and project outcomes in the design and implementation of their interventions.
- Deconstruct AMR-related challenges into specific behaviours that individuals or groups need to adopt or avoid.
- Apply the COM-B model to identify the capability, opportunity, and motivation factors influencing a given behaviour.
- Select evidence-based behaviour change techniques that align with their behavioural diagnosis.
- Plan to assess and monitor behavioural determinants and change within their projects using COM-B or other relevant behavioural frameworks.
Participant reflections
Representatives from South America (Colombia), Africa (Uganda), Europe (Kosovo) and Asia (Cambodia) provided their reflections on the training, as well as Wesal from ICARS’ staff.
“The collaborative approach and interactive design of the course made it easier for all of us to work together and learn both from the facilitators and other participants.” — Natalia Restrepo, Project coordinator for ICARS funded human health project in Colombia
“As someone who switched from health system strengthening to global health security at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my work has increasingly been categorized with strategies to change population behaviours. I find myself countering infodemics, fostering vaccine uptake. And consequently, I found the need to orient myself with social behaviour concepts…this training has bridged that gap for me. I can now confidently incorporate behavioral science into any situation.” — Boneventure Brian Kawere, Behaviour science lead for ICARS funded human and animal health project in Uganda.
One of the most valuable aspects of the training was meeting participants from other ICARS-supported countries around the world and learning from their experiences. These in-person sessions were helpful for building connections, creating new ideas together and contributing to more effective AMR solutions on a global level.”—Prof. Lul Raka, University of Prishtina, Project coordinator of ICARS funded AMS project in Kosovo
“This training enabled participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts and fostered stronger networks among professionals with similar or diverse expertise. Moreover, the training provided a clear pathway for participants to continue implementing their activities. Particularly, the two of us (participants) from Cambodia will confidently develop a research protocol for upcoming data collection relevant to behavioural changes in antimicrobial use for a specific project in Cambodia.” —Raksmey Phoeuk, Economist of ICARS funded animal health project in Cambodia
“AMR is a multifaceted, complex problem that must be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach with a One Health focus. Applying behavioural science to AMR requires a paradigm shift in thinking among experts—this training aimed to spark that change in mindset, and we are extremely enthusiastic to see the knowledge gained put into practice in the countries that participated.” — Dr. Wesal Zaman, Science advisor in Social and behavioural sciences, ICARS
