The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Veredas Institute, has launched a new technical guide to support more effective health policy and programme design. The guide focuses on evidence-informed theories of change (ToCs), providing a practical tool to help health actors plan, monitor and evaluate interventions with greater clarity and impact. Its release was marked by a global panel discussion exploring how structured approaches can drive meaningful, measurable results in real-world settings.
The event, titled From Theory to Impact, featured speakers from WHO, the Veredas Institute, Insper and the Government of South Africa. They shared experiences of applying theories of change across a range of settings, including health systems and social programmes and national planning and evaluation frameworks.
John Reeder, Director of WHO’s Department of Research for Health, opened the discussion by emphasizing WHO’s commitment to evidence-informed policy. “As a science- and evidence-based organization, WHO is committed to strengthening how countries use evidence in policy decisions,” he said. “This guide responds to real needs identified by our partners for a practical, transparent way to link actions with results.”
Harsha Dayal, Director of Research in South Africa’s Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, highlighted the importance of strategic thinking in the early stages of policy development. “If you do not get the theory right upstream, you will implement projects correctly, but for the wrong reasons,” she said. Her remarks underscored the role of ToCs in preventing policy misalignment and ensuring that implementation efforts are guided by clear objectives.
Ingrid Abdala of the Veredas Institute, who led the development of the guide, emphasized its accessibility and practical orientation. “It’s built for people working in fast-paced environments,” she said. “Whether you read the full guide or just focus on one part, it helps you act on what matters.” She also highlighted the importance of involving a wide range of voices in shaping effective strategies.
Speaking on implementation, Frederik Dejonghe of Insper, described theories of change as essential for fostering alignment and accountability. “They help people come together around realistic expectations,” he explained. “By combining technical knowledge with local insights, theories of change support better decisions, especially in complex, resource-constrained environments.”
Riccardo Polastro of WHO, added that theories of change should be viewed as evolving frameworks. “This is not a blueprint,” he said. “It is a living tool that must adapt to context, evidence and experience.”