Symposium - Where Are We in Running Health Communication Interventions for Behavior Change?
Reflections from Work in a Dozen Countries over 25 Years

Drawing on more than 25 years of health communication interventions across a dozen countries, Prof Rajiv Rimal reflects on how theories of behaviour change and communication are applied, challenged, and refined in diverse cultural settings. Through experiences spanning HIV prevention, maternal and child health, vaccination, nutrition, and reproductive health, he explores instances where established theories illuminated problems in unexpected ways, as well as situations where Western-developed frameworks failed to capture local realities. The talk highlights how cultural norms, family structures, community dynamics, and contextual factors can significantly influence the success of health interventions.

By sharing lessons learned and “aha” moments from implementation, Prof Rimal argues for a more reciprocal global exchange of knowledge, where insights from non-Western contexts help shape and advance health communication theory and practice. He concludes by advocating for a more equitable and multidirectional flow of knowledge to strengthen the field globally.