We are in the midst of a fundamental shift where conventional ways of identifying and solving problems are falling short of changing uptake of primary health services. The interconnected nature of social norms, behavior change, health systems and community systems requires multidimensional tools to both diagnose and intervene. This points to a need to think in systems of root causes and systems of solutions.

Systems thinking and systemic design, key methodologies in human-centred design, provide a solution-oriented view of challenges in terms of wholes and relationships. The purpose is to activate previously overlooked connections and leverage points, including nudging and normalizing behaviour.

The session will introduce hands-on tools to analyze complex challenges and co-create solutions through multiple systems mapping methods. This methodology is uniquely suited for situations where health services are available but a subset of the intended population is not actively seeking them. Therefore, groups will work through example scenarios to increase community uptake of primary health services. 

It also emphasizes both the perspective and participation of the people we are trying to serve at every step - including the services, institutions and communities that surround and influence them. The session will continually switch perspectives - covering barriers to seeking (caregiver), supporting (leader/family), and supplying (health worker) primary health services and the lives and lived environments surrounding these perspectives.