Social Sciences and Epidemics
This collection collates reports from the ‘Social Science in Epidemics’ series. In this series different aspects of past disease outbreaks are reviewed in order to identify social science ‘entry points’ for emergency interventions and preparedness activities. This evidence will come together to determine tangible ways to better address the social, political and economic dynamics of epidemics; and to ensure that interventions build on the social and cultural resources of the communities they aim to support.
Case study
Strengthening health information surveillance: Implementing community-based surveillance in Sudan
This case study explores the 2018–22 implementation of a national community-based surveillance programme in Sudan designed to meet critical needs of the existing health surveillance system.
Tools
Citizen ethnography in outbreak response: Guidance for establishing networks of researchers
This guidance outlines the steps for designing and implementing citizen-led ethnographic research, including those for recruitment, training and support of citizen researchers to collect and analyse ethnographic data, and how to transform the insights they gain to support preparedness and…
Case study
Enhancing Community Engagement Through Data Collection: Controlling the Cholera Epidemic in Mozambique
Case study focusing on post-cyclone cholera response activities
Briefing
Tools
Social science research for vaccine deployment in epidemic outbreaks
This Practical Approaches brief can be used to gain social science inputs in vaccine deployment efforts to provide practical solutions to recurring challenges, including vaccine refusal.
Briefing
Tools
Rapid appraisal of key health-seeking behaviours in epidemics
This Practical Approaches brief looks at how to identify health-seeking behaviours
Briefing
Tools
Rapid anthropological assessments in the field
This Practical Approaches brief explores data collection methods and question modules
Briefing
Tools
Rapid remote context analysis tool (RR-CAT) in epidemics
This SSHAP Practical Approaches brief underlines key considerations when appraising the context in which an outbreak occurs.
Case study
Real-Time Ebola Community Feedback Mechanism
Case study examining misinformation and mistrust in the Ebola epidemic
Case study
Understanding Sociocultural Dynamics to Enhance Control of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Epidemics in Kenya
Case study addressing the issue of food shortage and economic losses
Case study
Balancing Burial Rituals with Public Health Demands During the 2014 Guinean Ebola Epidemic
Case study addressing resistance to Ebola response measures
Case study
Learning the Lessons of Crisis: Mobilising Knowledge During a Global Health Emergency
Case study addressing issues around knowledge sharing, focusing on the example of Ebola