The Robert Koch Institute (RKI): main building in Berlin. more
Germany’s Public Health institute RKI monitors the population’s health and wellbeing. more
The Robert Koch Institute is the German government's central institution for the identification, surveillance and prevention of infectious diseases in the Portfolio of the German Ministry of Health. more
Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) are one of the key pillars of health emergency response and fundamental for the successful implementation of response measures. Strategies to communicate risks and mobilize communities to engage in controlling an outbreak and protecting the population are therefore crucial aspects of health emergency response strategies, including those developed and implemented in the context of COVID-19.
Nevertheless, little is known about the design, implementation, and effectiveness of the RCCE strategies that have been employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to optimize the learning from this pandemic and prepare for future public health emergencies, there is an urgent need to assess the design, implementation and effectiveness of RCCE strategies at different levels.
To assess the design and implementation of RCCE strategies, as well as their perceived effectiveness among the general public and populations that might experience language or participation barriers, e.g. due to age, language or geographical location, we interviewed 155 key informants, and 419 individuals in 73 focus group discussions in Germany, Nigeria, Singapore, and Guinea. We used qualitative research methods within an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on communication, social, political, and anthropological sciences.
Data from the four countries have been analyzed. Two peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published.
Date: 23.03.2023
