Communication surveillance and effective communication with the public

ABSTRACT

The module the course “Risk communication building capacity under the IHR” explains why it is important to spend time finding out what people think, what their concerns are, and what perceptions they have about the risk and the authorities' efforts to control it. The public is more likely to understand and accept messages that address their needs and concerns, and that are in line with the social, economic and cultural factors that govern their lives. Also covers the need to strengthen the risk communication skills of the emergency management team and its spokespersons, and to include skills development in the risk communication planning.