Risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management at the core of health security in humanitarian emergencies: operational tool designed from experiences in the WHO European Region

Overview

Risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) are essential pillars of health security in health and humanitarian emergencies. Recent responses to humanitarian emergencies in the WHO European Region have demonstrated that RCCE-IM approaches used in infectious disease outbreaks do not always translate seamlessly to the contexts of conflicts and disasters. Developed from these real-world experiences, this operational document provides actionable, evidence-informed strategies for national and local health authorities, United Nation agencies, civil society organizations and other relevant actors. It addresses the full spectrum of natural and human-induced hazards – including conflicts, disasters, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats – to support the protection of population health where it is needed most.