SBC Technical Working Group Inaugurated in Zamfara

By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Technical Working Group (TWG) for Zamfara State has been inaugurated as part of efforts to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and improve development outcomes across key sectors.

The inauguration took place during a cross-sectoral stakeholders’ meeting held at Karma Guest Inn, Gusau, with participants drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and Civil Society Organisations.

The meeting was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Bukkuyum, with support from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Alhaji Muhammad Salihu Anka.

In his inaugural remarks, Anka said the SBC Technical Working Group was established to provide strategic guidance, technical support, and effective coordination for UNICEF-supported SBC interventions across relevant sectors in the state.

He explained that the group would promote multi-sectoral collaboration in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategies aimed at encouraging positive behavioural and social change at individual, community, institutional, and policy levels.

According to him, the TWG will support interventions targeting social norms, attitudes, beliefs, and structural barriers affecting access to essential services, including health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection, and social protection.

“Through evidence-based approaches and community engagement, the SBC TWG aims to contribute to sustainable behaviour and social change,” Anka said.

Membership of the group comprises representatives from government MDAs, development and donor agencies, civil society organisations, academia, as well as religious and traditional institutions involved in SBC-related activities in Zamfara State.