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Abstract The application of social sciences has been recognized as valuable to inclusive humanitarian programming that aims to be attentive to the needs and initiatives of affected communities. However, the integration of social science-informed community engagement (CE) approaches in humanitarian action remains episodic, fragmented, and under-resourced. This research article provides insights from a study that reviewed existing and needed capacities for the systematic integration of social sciences for community engagement in humanitarian action. We examined what capacity resources exist and what resources need to be developed for strengthening social science integration into humanitarian programming for improved engagement of affected and at-risk communities in conflict and hazard contexts. A mixed method approach was used, including twenty-two key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners, an online survey with 42 respondents, a literature review, and a year-long monthly consultation with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners in a UNICEF-led global technical working group. Results illustrate insights on the value of the “social science lens” in humanitarian action and current usage of different social science disciplines. Challenges found include different understandings (e.g., on standardization), languages and methods used by practitioners and social scientists, and how to integrate the seemingly “slow” processes of social sciences to fit emergency response. Institutional barriers to mainstream community-centered humanitarian action facilitated by the social sciences include top-down decision-making and resourcing, lack of localization, and many siloed, dispersed, and episodic efforts.

In Sierra Leone, maternal and under-five mortality rates are among the highest in the world. In 2010, the government adopted the Free Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) providing free healthcare for children aged under-five and pregnant and lactating women. However, the FHCI is seriously impeded by the limited availability of health staff, gaps in medication supply, and weak management. In this paper, we present experiences of the Gorama Mende and Wandor (GMW) chiefdom residents in Kenema district, Sierra Leone and how they navigate available options to seek care. We argue that the health-seeking behaviour (HSB) of the population is influenced by interrelated structural and social factors. This qualitative research was conducted in rural GMW chiefdoms in February 2020, using in-depth individual, paired, and group interviews. Contrary to the assumption that traditional healers influence HSB, data suggest that structural factors like proximity, affordability, previous experience, and reception at the health facility were the main determinants. Healthcare providers felt that people went to a traditional healer first; however, the population emphasised that their first choice was always the peripheral health unit (PHU) provided there were no barriers. These barriers include, living in hard-to-reach areas, transportation, unexpected payment for services, and fear of the health staff. The study reveals the complex reality people face in terms of access to healthcare and multiple factors that influence HSB. One community member noted that if people could not afford a PHU, they would turn to alternative forms of healthcare — ‘Where my pocket can afford is where I will take my child’.