SBC in Community System Strengthening

Sudan is living through war and mass displacement. Yemen faces one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises. And in Moldova, far from active conflict but still grappling with inequality, Roma communities remain excluded from the very systems meant to serve them. Across these vastly different contexts, one question emerges: how do communities themselves step in to sustain and shape the systems around them?In this episode, host Qali Id speaks with UNICEF SBC specialists from Sudan, Yemen, and Moldova to explore the unexpected power of trust, local leadership, and cultural respect in strengthening systems. From youth-run resistance committees, to volunteer health networks, to trusted Roma leaders bridging gaps in access, this conversation highlights how Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) enables communities not just to survive—but to lead the way toward more inclusive and resilient futures.You'll hear from:Maha Abasher Khalid Osman, SBC Specialist at UNICEF SudanCristina Stratulat, SBC Officer at UNICEF Moldova Abdullah Alshehari, SBC Specialist at UNICEF YemenResources:Harnessing community engagement and multisectoral SBC approaches to address vaccine hesitancy in Moldova | UNICEF MoldovaHome | UNICEF SBC GUIDANCE Related episodes:Episode 5 - SBC in Support of System Strengthening (Apple) (Spotify) Episode 11 - Community Delivery Platforms (Apple) (Spotify)The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by Helena Ballester Bon in partnership with Common Thread. Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, Why don’t you just behave! For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out the programme guidance.We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using this feedback form. For all other inquiries, please contact [email protected].