The role of risk communication in public health events

Abstract

An increasing number of adverse health events, which have principally happened in the last decade, have revealed the strategic role of Risk Communication as one of the most useful tools used by authorities and decisions makers to deliver the information the public needs. The basic elements that allow the expeditious control and mitigation activities before a public health emergency occurs are, among others, the identification and training of spokespersons, who are responsible for the rapid, reliable, and transparent delivery of information; the elaboration of key messages; and the efficient use of communication channels. This article allows the understanding of a good communication strategy, which supports the surveillance, containment and control actions during public health emergencies. It presents some basic recommendations to integrate risk communication in the strategic risk management planning process.