CROSS-CUTTING AREAS Risk communication and community engagement Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) is a form of two-way communication that builds trust, promotes behaviour change and empowers communities. There are RCCE structures at all levels – national, provincial and district – that coordinate and strengthen response interventions during outbreaks. These structures feature ACSM (advocacy, communication, and social mobilisation); health promotion; and community healthcare workers at all levels, including public health entities, NGO sectors and academic institutions. There is also support from international agencies and other implementing partners. RCCE core functions: Provide accurate, timely information to all targeted audiences to make informed health decisions to mitigate the effects of the threat/risk, and take protective and preventive measures and actions. Reach communities with behaviour-focused messaging, combating stigma and preventing misinformation, rumours and myths. Empower the public, especially at-risk communities. Foster partner collaboration for disease outbreak prevention and control with all relevant stakeholders to jointly address an outbreak. Ensure community participation and ownership of preventive and response measures, and ensure monitored feedback mechanisms. By Charity Bhengu, Nesongozwi Mudzanani and Nomkhosi Mokoena of the national Department of Health, South Africa 25
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI0MzQ=