Risk Communication Plan Research Articles

Disability and Vulnerable Groups Inclusion in COVID-19 Policy and Planning in Sub-Sahara African Countries

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an excess burden of disease in disabled and vulnerable populations. These populations may face an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, greater demand for services and social support, and reduced access to treatment. Despite various national and international efforts towards disability rights and inclusion, substantial gaps exist between disability rights legislation and its implementation. Aims: To assess the inclusion of people with disability and other vulnerable groups in policy and planning documents related to the COVID-19 pandemic response in sub-Sahara Africa. Methods: We conducted content analysis using the EquiFrame policy analysis tool and assessed commitment to 12 vulnerable groups and 21 core human rights in policy and planning documents related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We included documents on general pandemic response, stakeholder engagement, risk communication, and the COVID-19 vaccine from five sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia. Results: The study highlights the varying degrees to which countries integrate disability, vulnerable groups, and other core human rights concepts into their COVID-19 health policies and planning documents. Only Kenya mentioned disability in their pandemic response plan. However, all countries have explicitly mentioned disability in their stakeholder engagement plans. Except for Kenya, all countries have included disability in their risk communication plans. Notably, South Africa and Zambia demonstrated extensive disability inclusion in their stakeholder engagement and vaccine plan. Thus, these countries have the potential for comprehensive and inclusive health policymaking. In contrast, Nigeria and Ethiopia lag, therefore highlighting areas of improvement across all policy domains. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical importance of not only mentioning disability and other vulnerable groups, but also ensuring the depth and quality of this inclusion. While there are positive strides in certain areas, there remains a consistent need for deeper and broader inclusion across all policy domains. Received: 10 September 2024 | Reviewed: 16 October 2024 | Revised: 03 November 2024 | Accepted: 05 November 2024.

A framework for physically consistent storylines of UK future mean sea level rise

We present a framework for developing storylines of UK sea level rise to aid risk communication and coastal adaptation planning. Our approach builds on the UK national climate projections (UKCP18) and maintains the same physically consistent methods that preserve component correlations and traceability between global mean sea level (GMSL) and local relative sea level (RSL). Five example storylines are presented that represent singular trajectories of future sea level rise drawn from the underlying large Monte Carlo simulations. The first three storylines span the total range of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) likely range GMSL projections across the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The final two storylines are based upon recent high-end storylines of GMSL presented in AR6 and the recent literature. Our results suggest that even the most optimistic sea level rise outcomes for the UK will require adaptation of up to 1 m of sea level rise for large sections of coastline by 2300. For the storyline most consistent with current international greenhouse gas emissions pledges and a moderate sea level rise response, UK capital cities will experience between about 1 and 2 m of sea level rise by 2300, with continued rise beyond 2300. The storyline based on the upper end of the AR6 likely range sea level projections yields much larger values for UK capital cities that range between about 3 and 4 m at 2300. The two high-end scenarios, which are based on a recent study that showed accelerated sea level rise associated with ice sheet instability feedbacks, lead to sea level rise for UK capital cities at 2300 that range between about 8 m and 17 m. These magnitudes of rise would pose enormous challenges for UK coastal communities and are likely to be beyond the limits of adaptation at some locations.

COVID-19 risk communication gaps, needs, and strategies related to pandemic preparedness plans among vulnerable, Black American subgroups: A qualitative study

ObjectiveImproving current and future risk communication plans is critical mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to prepare for future pandemics. Minority groups, particularly African Americans, have been limited in engagement to prepare these plans which has been demonstrated to disadvantageous. We report findings from a qualitative study that describes gaps, needs, and strategies to improve communication among vulnerable, Black American subgroups during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsSixty-two Black Americans in uniquely, vulnerable subgroups participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews from May to September 2020. Thematic analyses were used to identify themes. ResultsParticipants were 16 essential workers, 16 parents, 15 young adults, and 15 individuals with underlying medical conditions. Emerging themes were: (1) Poor communication and miscommunication fueled fear and confusion; (2) Information sources and channels: How do I choose one?; (3) Communication needs were simple yet complex; (4) All information sources are not trusted information sources; (5) Preferred yet trusted channels and types of information; and (6) Dissemination of COVID Research: Why and How. Subgroups varied in information sources and processes for choosing the source, communication needs, and channels and types of information needed. They shared why they did and did not trust certain sources along with the importance of COVID research dissemination to promote informed decision-making throughout the pandemic. DiscussionThis study found that Black American subgroups had diverse, yet trusted and non-trusted messages, messengers, and strategies for communication and wanted research results disseminated. We describe multi-level stakeholders and strategies to help improve risk communication for pandemics, and potentially preparedness and health outcomes.

A sentiment and content analysis of tweets on monkeypox stigma among the LGBTQ+ community: A cue to risk communication plan.

The stigma associated with monkeypox (mpox) may prevent people from following recommended guidelines. Using a "model of stigma communication," this study maps and determines the mpox stigma on Twitter among LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and more) community. The tweets that contained the terms '#monkeypox', '#MPVS', '#stigma', and '#LGBTQ+' and were published between May 01, 2022 and Sept 07, 2022 were extracted. For sentiment analysis, the VADER, Text Blob, and Flair analysers were implemented. This study evaluated the dynamics of stigma communication based on the "model of stigma communication". A total of 70,832 tweets were extracted, from which 66,387 tweets were passed to the sentiment analyser and 3100 tweets were randomly selected for manual coding. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) criteria was adopted to report this study. This research provided insight on the cause, communication, and patterns of mpox stigma in the LGBTQ+ community. In the community, stigmatisation was influenced by the group's labelling as the source of monkeypox. Some users believed that mpox resembled previously observed diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Despite officials and media outlets disseminating information about preventing mpox and stigmatisation, a number of individuals failed to comply. The LGBTQ+ community faced peril in the form of violence due to escalating stigma. Misinformation and misinterpretation spread further stigmatisation. This study indicates that authorities must address misinformation, stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community, and the absence of a comprehensive risk-communication plan to improve the system. The effects of stigmatization on the vulnerable population must be handled in conjunction with a well-developed risk communication plan, without jeopardizing their wellbeing.

Risk perceptions of COVID-19, vocational identity, and employment aspirations of Chinese aviation students: a structural equation modeling approach

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the aviation and education sectors in China. This study examined the relationships between risk perceptions of the pandemic, vocational identity, and employment aspirations of Chinese aviation students.MethodsThe study used a convenience sampling approach to collect data (n = 276 respondents) from August 2 to 8, 2022. An online survey was sent via WeChat and QQ to Chinese students majoring in aviation service management who were under lockdown at six Chinese schools.ResultsIn spite of the strong support for the stringent COVID policies and full awareness of infection risk and protective measures, respondents were worried about the current unstable situation and felt fear for its severity and long-lasting symptoms. The casual path from career commitment to employment aspiration was supported, but high risk perceptions of the pandemic failed to have any psychological effect on the two constructs of vocational identity and employment aspirations.ConclusionsThe findings not only demonstrate the power of career commitment on employment aspirations but also reveal that a relatively high self-assessment of career proficiency may not necessarily lead to a clear career aspiration, possibly due to poor risk communication and insufficient career planning guidance. Thus, Chinese aviation students should improve their career proficiency and commitment, broaden their career options and adaptability, and have a clear career plan, in order to be well prepared for the fierce job market that will face the next wave of the ongoing pandemic.

BSL‐4 laboratories, combatting conspiracies, and using a culture‐centered approach to improve risk and crisis communication in a One Health framework

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic continues to pose a global zoonotic disease threat, highlighting the importance of developing strategies to combat new viruses and variants stemming from climate change and animal populations. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address dis/misinformation surrounding such research. Collaborations across disciplines aid in actual responses to public health emergency events as well, easing the transition to a new equilibrium and impacting planning for future events. Russian disinformation regarding the joint work of Americans and Ukrainians as part of the Biological Threat Reduction Program is evidence of the need to educate the public about the real risks and benefits of zoonotic disease research. As seen in the recently released National Biodefense Strategy, political leaders in the United States are becoming more explicit about embracing a One Health framework for biodefense and public health emergency preparedness. This has significant benefits in terms of policy making by helping to dispel dis/misinformation, build trust in disease surveillance data, and give frontline workers such as those in the agricultural sector a voice in the conversation with which to share their expertise. A communication complex perspective applied through a culture‐centered approach to a One Health model aims to improve risk and crisis communication. This unique strategy will help government leaders as well as those in relevant sectors to speak to the unique questions and concerns of a particular population. Among other things, this helps to avoid an ineffective “cookie‐cutter” approach messaging. In this manuscript, we argue that coconstructing a cultural understanding of human, animal, and environmental health practices within a unique culture will lead to a specialized risk and crisis communication plan accepted by local communities.

Factors Influencing Monkeypox Vaccination: A Cue to Policy Implementation

BackgroundFollowing the mpox 2022 outbreak, several high-income countries have developed plans with inclusion criteria for vaccination against the mpox disease. This study was carried out to map the factors influencing mpox vaccination uptake to help address the challenges and increase vaccination confidence.MethodsThis was a study based on Tweet analysis. The VADER, Text Blob, and Flair analyzers were adopted for sentiment analysis. The “Levesque conceptual framework for healthcare access” was adopted to evaluate the factors impacting access and the decision to get mpox vaccination. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) criteria were adopted.FindingsA total of 149,133 tweets were extracted between 01/05/2022 and 23/09/2022. Around 1% of the random tweets were used for qualitative analysis. Of the 149,113, tweets were classified as positive, negative and neutral, respectively, by (a) VADER: (55,040) 37.05%, (44,395) 29.89%, and (49,106) 33.06%, (b) TextBlob: (70,900) 47.73%, (22,729) 15.30%, and (54,921) 36.97%, and (c) Flair: (31,389) 21.13%, (117,152) 78.87%, and 0.00%. Sentiment trajectories revealed that communication, stigmatization, accessibility to and availability of vaccines, and concerns about vaccine safety as factors influencing decision-making in the content and flow of tweets.InterpretationTwitter is a key surveillance tool for understanding factors influencing decisions and access to mpox vaccination. To address vaccine mistrust and disinformation, a social media-based risk communication plan must be devised. Adopting measures to remove logistical vaccination hurdles is needed. Obtaining fact-based information from credible sources is key to improving public confidence.

Societal insights in risk communication planning – a structured approach

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) receives hundreds of requests for scientific risk assessments each year and publishes on average over 500 scientific outputs annually. To optimise the planning for its risk communications, the authors developed a two-phase approach for assessing incoming requests that follows the first two stages of the IRGC’s Risk Governance Framework―Pre-Assessment (Screening) and Appraisal (Risk Perceptions and Social Concerns Assessment)―and is driven by use of social insights, analytics, and professional knowledge. During the Pre-Assessment phase requests from risk managers are pre-screened and filtered then processed using a checklist divided into sections on the characteristics of risks, knowledge/awareness of them, and the institutional and market context. A decision tree was developed to manage the combinations of factors needed to trigger preparation for future risk communications options. Use of the approach was implemented and refined at EFSA from 2019 to 2021. During the Appraisal phase, societal insights from social research, media analysis and social media listening are compiled to i) map the elements to consider for risk communication and ii) identify the overall sensitivity of the subject matter, taking into account concerns, expectations and risk perceptions. These assessments of risk perception and societal concerns have been developed for sensitive topics and potentially emerging issues with the aim of identifying risks that share similar characterises, in terms of level of knowledge and risk perception. These two stages provide mechanisms to identify topics and clusters of topics of interest for risk communication and to drive the subsequent development of communication objectives and strategies. This is expected to inform the eventual development of standardised communication responses on topics within specific clusters.

Evaluating the moderating role of information seeking platforms on university students' risk perception and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana

IntroductionThe emergence of COVID-19 resulted in heightened usage of online information seeking platforms among students aimed at obtaining information about the virus. This situation further increased the levels of risk perception and anxiety levels as students managed to stay safe. This study examined the roles of information seeking platforms; specifically, social media platforms and professional platforms as moderators of the link between risk perception and anxiety among university students in Ghana.MethodsParticipants were recruited from two universities in Ghana; namely, University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and University of Cape Coast (UCC) through a survey approach. The study conveniently sampled 778 participants who completed a set of questionnaires.ResultsThe study results revealed that COVID-19 risk perception was positively related to anxiety. Further, the use of specific online information platforms significantly moderated the link between risk perception and anxiety. Specifically, social media platforms significantly moderated the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and anxiety level. Primarily, students who utilized social media as a COVID-19 information source reported high anxiety levels in the presence of high-risk perception compared to those who did not use social media. Additionally, professional platform usage acted as a buffer in the positive link between COVID-19 risk perception and anxiety levels. In the presence of high risk perception, students who used professional platforms, compared to those who did not use professional platforms, showed significantly low anxiety levels.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the key role social media and professional platforms played in shaping students' perceptions of COVID-19. These outcomes call for the swift scrutiny of health-related information obtained from social media platforms. Both users and disseminators of health-related information on social media platforms have the responsibility of verifying the credibility of whichever information they post and/or access. Risk perception should also be an integral part of effective risk communication planning in educational institutions during outbreak of diseases.

Impact of risk communication on patient's safety during the pandemic.

Impact of risk communication on patient's safety during the pandemic More than 2 years have gone by since the pandemic was declared in 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many challenges have been confronted by the healthcare system during this time to control the high impact of this disease. This pandemic, unlike others that humanity has faced, is characterized by a special feature: today, we have an enormous amount of information only a click away. This situation has been of great benefit to humanity and has allowed the development of science; nevertheless, misinformation (infodemics) has been a major problem, which has revealed the behavior of the population regarding the evaluation of information (or better, lack of assessment) related to the use of medications and particularly of vaccines. Given this, it is important that the different people involved (health authorities, societies, healthcare professionals, etc.) assess the behavior and propose appropriate strategies to act and have plans for this and future pandemics. This article intends to explore from the authors' perspective how information management, risk management, and risk communication during the pandemic can provide valuable lessons for the future.

Climate Risk Communication in Tourism Destinations in Siruma, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Climate risk communication is an important early warning tool for an upcoming disaster. It prepares the locals to decide and act appropriately to save lives and properties. This study primarily described climate risk communication in tourism destinations in Siruma, Camarines Sur. Specifically, it aimed to 1.) identify the sources and severity of risks in tourism in the locality, 2.) find out how these risks are communicated in the locality, 3.) determine how the locals perceive these risk communication measures, and 4.) recommend some measures to improve risk communication. Using Qualitative Research Design, data were gathered through Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview. Seventeen (17) participants shared their experiences, thoughts, and opinions on climate risk information, risk communication strategies, problems encountered, and risk perception. FGD result shows that the four risks experienced by the locals for the last five years were typhoons, heavy rainfall and flooding, storm surge, and temperature extreme which is El Nino phenomenon. The most severe at level 4 was Typhoon Ulysses in 2020.The primary source of the climate risks are the Local DRRM Officer in coordination with Barangay Officials and the Philippine National Police through house-to-house visits and two-way radio. It was observed that despite the abundance of risk information, some locals refuse orders for preventive evacuation mainly because they do not perceive the risk due to some not credible sources and unpersuasive messages. Focused and directed risk communication messages can help them perceive upcoming risk to behave positively. The study recommends that LGU Siruma may draft and implement a Climate Risk Communication Plan that will include communication strategies using various media with focused messages, skills trainings on communicating risk messages, trainings on value formation, and enhancing internet connectivity in Siruma.

A Cross-Sectional Study of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Risk Factors for Seropositivity in Staff in Day Care Facilities and Preschools in Denmark.

The aim of this study was to provide information about immunity against COVID-19 along with risk factors and behavior among employees in day care facilities and preschools (DCS) in Denmark. In collaboration with the Danish Union of Pedagogues, during February and March 2021, 47,810 members were offered a point-of-care rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody test (POCT) at work and were invited to fill in an electronic questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposure. Seroprevalence data from Danish blood donors (total Ig enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were used as a proxy for the Danish population. A total of 21,018 (45%) DCS employees completed the questionnaire and reported their POCT result {median age, 44.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], [32.7 to 53.6]); females, 84.1%}, of which 20,267 (96.4%) were unvaccinated and included in analysis. A total of 1,857 (9.2%) participants tested seropositive, significantly higher than a seroprevalence at 7.6% (risk ratio [RR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.27) among 40,541 healthy blood donors (median age, 42 years [IQR, 28 to 53]; males, 51.3%). Exposure at work (RR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.3 to 3.6) was less of a risk factor than exposure within the household (RR, 12.7; 95% CI, 10.2 to 15.8). Less than 25% of participants reported wearing face protection at work. Most of the participants expressed some degree of fear of contracting COVID-19 both at work and outside work. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was slightly higher in DCS staff than in blood donors, but possible exposure at home was associated with a higher risk than at work. DCS staff expressed fear of contracting COVID-19, though there was limited use of face protection at work. IMPORTANCE Identifying at-risk groups and evaluating preventive interventions in at-risk groups is imperative for the ongoing pandemic as well as for the control of future epidemics. Although DCS staff have a much higher risk of being infected within their own household than at their workplace, most are fearful of being infected with COVID-19 or bringing COVID-19 to work. This represents an interesting dilemma and an important issue which should be addressed by public health authorities for risk communication and pandemic planning. This study design can be used in a strategy for ongoing surveillance of COVID-19 immunity or other infections in the population. The findings of this study can be used to assess the need for future preventive interventions in DCS, such as the use of personal protective equipment.

Whispers of Nature: A Project Proposal on Women Participation in Crafting a Locally Adaptive Risk Disaster Communication Plan

The purpose of this project proposal is to unearth the narratives of women in Barangay San Jose which will form the basis for developing a locally adaptive risk disaster communication plan. Despite the dismay, sadness, and horryfing stories of women participants, the community-crafted communication plan will be an authentic expression of gender representation where women’s voice highlights a direct role in designing a pro-active risk disaster communication plan foregrounded on perceptions, experiences, and lessons learned under the three different phases of risk response: pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster reponses in environmental disruptions. Thus, the proposed narrative-based communication plan will be utilizing descriptive phenomenology highlighting the lived experiences and interpretations of the women of Barangay San Jose. Following the crafting of the plan, its implementation will rest on the concerted efforts between the government, civic groups, stakeholders, and the community people in order to make the “Whispers of Nature” a truly authentic mirroring of women participation in disaster risk communication planning.

Practice of preventive measures and vaccine hesitance for COVID 19 among households in The Gambia, 2021: Study protocol.

The first imported confirmed case of COVID 19 was reported in The Gambia on 16th of March 2020 which led to the implementation of relevant public health interventions to prevent further importation and spread of the virus. However, by 8th November 2021, the country had registered cumulatively 9.980 COVID-19 confirmed infection and 341 deaths. The country has developed and implemented Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Action Plan since the declaration by WHO that COVID-19 outbreak was a global public health threat and its subsequent proclamation that outbreak was a pandemic. Despite these efforts to sensitize the communities, some Gambians are in denial and/or misinformed of the existence of infection in the country. It is also evident that social distancing and other restrictions have not been adequately implemented by the citizenry. Less 14% of The Gambian population have been vaccinated, and there is evidence of gross vaccine hesitancy and disbelief. There is urgent need to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices among Gambians about preventive practices especially regarding accepting vaccination to control COVID 19. The proposed study will enrol 1200 households from seven Local Government Areas (LGAs). The findings of this study will inform the messaging and health promotion activities that will be used to better inform the population to ensure compliance and practice of preventive approaches (e.g., use of mask, vaccination)necessary to reduce the negative impact of COVID 19 outbreak in The Gambia. This will thus quicken the recovery process and the return to new normal life.

Risk management and communication plans from SARS to COVID-19 and beyond.

ObjectiveNowadays, due to globalisation, the likelihood that infectious diseases spread rapidly is extraordinarily high. SARS and COVID‐19 are two diseases of the Coronavirus family, which developed in China and then spread internationally, causing global public health emergencies. This study investigates the role that risk management and communication systems played in mitigating these emergencies, to establish how they should be improved in the future.MethodsA narrative review was carried out to investigate different knowledge domains, such as risk management and communication, risk assessment and indicators, epidemiological and clinical data, diagnostic methods, vaccines, public health and social measures.ResultsOn one side, risk management systems assess the main data, knowledge, and indicators on epidemiology, diagnostics, and vaccines (science‐based); on the other side, they apply public health and social measures (socially‐based). Decision‐makers, in fact, implement their actions by constantly balancing these two sides (policy‐based).ConclusionsA correct crisis management approach should support the governance of pandemics, by harmonising the actual risks assessed by experts with those perceived by the general population. It should incorporate not only the biological, but even the environmental, social and economic aspects of virus emergencies, towards establishing a suitable framework to deal with possible future pandemics.

화학물질 취급 사업장의 생산자와 지역주민의 리스크 커뮤니케이션에 관한 연구

The study focused on the possibility of chemical accidents (fire, explosion, leakage) centered on the Daesan Petrochemical Complex, which is a densely populated area for chemical substances handling business sites, and 201 producers and 82 local residents were investigated. The purpose of this study was to present a risk communication plan by identifying the significant differences in risk perception, prevention (control) possibility, and fear of consequences (damage) for risk factors of fire, explosion, and leakage. The level of risk awareness and fear of damage of local residents was higher than that of producers at chemical substances handling business sites, and it was recognized that prevention (control) of accidents was difficult. For effective risk communication with producers of chemical substances handling workplaces and local residents, it is required to plan and operate risk communication activities in the direction of bridging the gap of risk perception and fear of harm between stakeholder together. ‘Odors or other anomalie’s is a practically controllable variable and it can be used to reduce the risk perception of local residents by thoroughly preventing its occurrence. In future research, it will be necessary to utilize risk communication between producers and local residents of various chemical substances handling business sites.

Communicating in Risk, Crisis, and High Stress Situations: Evidence-Based Strategies and Practice: Vincent T. Covello: [Book Review

This book is a thorough yet accessible resource to support communication managers and practitioners who represent a wide range of organizations. The author draws on his expansive career as a risk, crisis, and high concern communication expert to offer a theory-based guide that will suit communication professionals in every field who often—or even infrequently—encounter high-stress situations. The author provides a research-based, relevant, and helpful risk communication resource. Technological change has radically transformed the ways in which risk communication is shared and consumed. Further, the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic has required many professionals to provide risk and crisis communications for the very first time. In the context of these challenges, the author presents numerous case studies from his broad career that demonstrate communication successes, failures, and lessons learned. Overall, the author provides a detailed and helpful resource on risk, high concern, and crisis communication to support communication professionals working in a wide range of contexts. His research-grounded approach is supported by numerous, compelling case studies that offer important lessons for communicators. It is rare to see such a thoroughly theoretically grounded text coupled with practical tools and techniques for communicators to employ. The book is an extensive resource for professionals who can have only one text to support their risk communication planning and practice. For teachers and students of technical and professional communication, the book establishes solid risk communication foundations.

Risk communication and community engagement – unlocking the key to South Africa’s response to SARS-CoV-2

Background. COVID-19 has changed the way that governments communicate and engage with citizens. In emergencies, effective communication must be immediate, grounded in science, transparent, easy to understand and in language-appropriate messaging delivered through multiple and varied platforms. For the South African (SA) COVID-19 response, the intent was to design an agile, locally relevant Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy as the pandemic was unfolding and to constantly evaluate its implementation. Early involvement of communities in the formulation and direction of a risk communication plan is essential to its success. Objective. To outline the significance of the RCCE’s robust communication strategy during the COVID-19 response and the lessons learnt in executing the strategy. Methods. This is a qualitative review of documents and reports generated and utilised by the RCCE Technical Working Group (TWG) and reflects the lessons learnt from discussions and multiple engagements at district, provincial and national levels. The review incorporates lessons learnt from international practice, resource documents from the World Health Organization (WHO), RCCE readiness and response to coronavirus disease, feedback from the Behavioural Science Ministerial Advisory Committee, input from the call centre, website and various established social media platforms. Results. Communication and building trust with multiple stakeholders begin before an outbreak and is a prerequisite to facilitate the timeous flow of information, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving outbreak of a new disease, where the scientific community does not immediately have all the answers. Initial COVID-19 messages were therefore filled with challenges that ranged from the lack of scientific and epidemiological information to rumours, conspiracy theories and misinformation. The findings validate that empowering communities to act, strengthening public trust and community participation using multiple channels as well as timely responses to rumours and misinformation are important drivers of COVID-19 communication efforts in SA. Communication efforts must be accelerated to translate science into locally relevant languages and the impact of interventions must be measured to appropriately direct limited resources. Conclusion. The risk communication strategy incorporated several key lessons that could be used to improve communication and inform future emergency response communication that is immediate, science-based, transparent, inclusive and encourages community participation.

Using community-based flood maps to explain flood hazards in Northland, New Zealand

Floods are among the most common and destructive natural disasters in New Zealand, and climate change is anticipated to make them even more frequent and severe. A clear and comprehensive flood map is critical to communicating flood hazard to communities at risk. Mitigation, adapting, and informed decisions making could be efficiently accomplished with the clear flood maps. However, existing flood maps appear to have been developed for professionals, complex, and not easily available for communities living in flood hazard areas. This study examines how, using flood maps, risk communication between local authorities and the communities can be improved. Observational surveys and in-depth interviews were used to acquire descriptive information and in-depth understanding of risks within the communities in the Northland, New Zealand. Thematic analysis of the findings revealed that the current flood maps are not easy to acquire and hard to comprehend. Without knowledge, communities develop a false sense of security, especially where there is inadequate risk communication and engagement with local authorities. This study highlights the need for a greater understanding of integrating community knowledge and experience with the current risk communication plans. Additionally, this study recommends developing more comprehensive and user-friendly flood maps using community-based information.

Co-Design for Enhancing Flood Resilience in Davao City, Philippines

Enhancing flood resilience, including the development of social capacity and early warning systems, in addition to structural measures, is one of the key solutions to mitigating flood damage, which will be more intensified in the future due to climate change. This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive methodology for enhancing flood resilience by improving society-wide disaster literacy under the governance formed through the active participation of all levels of stakeholders in Davao City, Philippines. Specifically, the development of the Online Synthesis System for Sustainability and Resilience, which integrates different disciplines, and the fostering of Facilitators, whose role is to interlink the science community and society, were implemented in a co-designing manner by the collective governance body. The development of basin- and barangay-scale hydrological models realized real-time flood forecasting and climate change impact assessment to identify intensified flood risk under the future climate. Co-designed e-learning workshops were held to foster about thirty Facilitators and help them produce twenty-one risk communication plans and workshop designs for fourteen barangays considering geographic, demographic, economic, and social features that they can utilize for public dissemination related to climate change adaptation to the target audiences in society. This paper presents a practical method to enhance flood resilience, demonstrating that the synthesis of science-based knowledge and human resource development can fill the gaps between the science community and society.