Strengthening the social and behavioural science evidence base for mpox in Africa
Project overview
This study will synthesise social and behavioural science (SBS) research findings and evidence on mpox in sub-Saharan Africa, to inform future submissions of SBS evidence to the mpox Emergency Committee. This dovetails with WHO, Elrha and FCDO initiatives to strengthen mpox SBS research and evidence-sharing.
Project solution
This project offers [specific solution or intervention] to tackle [challenge]. By implementing [strategies, tools, or innovations], the project aims to achieve [desired outcomes]. The approach is designed to [specific actions or methods] to bring about meaningful change in [community, region, or issue area].
Expected outcomes
This project aims to achieve [specific outcomes], such as [measurable results, improvements, or changes]. The expected impact includes [benefits to the target community, advancements in research or innovation, or long-term effects]. By the end of the project, we anticipate [specific changes or milestones] that will contribute to [broader goals or objectives].
Principal Investigator: Hayley MacGregor, Institute of Development Studies
Purpose
This programme aims to strengthen the social and behavioural science (SBS) evidence base on mpox in sub-Saharan Africa to inform WHO Emergency Committee deliberations. Activities include:
- Evidence Synthesis: Gathering and synthesising emerging and published SBS findings on mpox (Clade 1 and 2) from 2017 onwards, across the WHO Africa region. This involves mapping of funded research and published work, interviews with identified researchers, and a synthesis report.
- Support to an existing FCDO and Wellcome funded mpox project consortium to expand and implement SBS research and interdisciplinary integration.
- Convening SBS researchers at a meeting to share findings aligned with operational priorities.
Expected Outcomes
This study aims to strengthen the SBS evidence base on mpox in sub-Saharan Africa to support WHO Emergency Committee (EC) decision-making regarding a public health emergency of international concern.
It responds to the limited SBS research findings for mpox available in the public domain, particularly regarding transmission, stigma, care-seeking, and lived experiences across diverse contexts. The key outcome is a synthesis of existing published and unpublished research evidence related to Clade 1 and 2 mpox in sub-Saharan Africa since 2017.
The programme has two key outputs:
- A report mapping recent and ongoing mpox research and synthesising emerging findings,
- A meeting of selected researchers, with SSHAP facilitating links between evidence and operational priorities for mpox. This meeting will likely be delivered in close collaboration with WHO.
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Project delivery & updates
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