As the field of SBC grows, so does the need for professional standards. AS-SBC has conducted a series of workshops to define the Ethics and Standards of Practice for behavioral scientists in Africa. This includes establishing guidelines for data privacy in community research, ensuring informed consent in behavioral nudges, and standardizing the qualifications required for “SBC Specialists.”
These standards have been formally adopted by 15+ Country Chapters and are currently being reviewed by regional health boards for inclusion in official professional certification processes. Over 2,500 registered practitioners have been reached through these ethics workshops and standardization drives.
The society has successfully professionalized the field, providing a clear “Seal of Quality” for SBC work in Africa. This has increased the confidence of governments and donors, who now know they are working with certified, ethically-grounded experts who adhere to a continental code of conduct.