The Collective Service releases today a new Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) in Public Health Emergencies coordination interim guidance. This is drawn from global best practice of RCCE coordination, developed over the two years since this pillar was established during the COVID-19 response, and from other public health emergency responses.

Trust in health authorities and health services before, during and after public health emergencies is critical. Where higher level of trust in health authorities exists, communities are more likely to follow public health recommendations and seek health care, resulting in more rapid and effective outbreak response.

An erosion of trust in health services and the health system more broadly can result in families being less likely to seek health care when needed, including critical preventative care such as immunisation services, undermining the public health system.

This guide was developed to contribute to the Global Task Force on Cholera Control Interim Guiding Document to Support Countries for the Development of their National Cholera Plans. It focuses on the integration of community engagement approaches.
This guidance has been developed for use by those involved in designing, developing and implementing a National Cholera Plan for Control or Elimination (NCPs) at country level.

Last Tuesday, the webinar dedicated to the joint evaluation of the Collective Service took place and was hosted by UNICEF. The one-hour information session presented the results of how the collaboration of the three partners — IFRC, UNICEF, and WHO — has impacted public health coordination, discussed its challenges and achievements, and provided strategic recommendations for the future of the service.