To enhance regional cross-border Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) readiness during public health emergencies, a simulation-based training was organized by Africa CDC, UNICEF, IFRC, and WHO (the Collective Service core partners) as well as IOM, READY, and the UK-PHRST from 15th to 19th April 2024 in Mombasa, Kenya.
This training is aimed at strengthening cross-border RCCE for coordinated emergency preparedness and response in the region, with participation from countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Given the interconnectedness and prevalence of emergencies in the region, such as Ebola, Marburg, cholera, and yellow fever outbreaks, enhancing cross-border collaboration is crucial.
Dr. Lul Riek, Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centres at Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of recognizing the risks posed by cross-border movement and the need for improved collaboration and RCCE strategies to provide communities with timely and culturally sensitive information during health crises.
RCCE has played a vital role in outbreak response in East and Southern Africa in recent years, supporting the adoption of health interventions and effective emergency readiness and response. Through community engagement, coordinated risk management, and adaptive responses to evolving needs during crises can be implemented to improve outcomes.
Incorporating community feedback, qualitative research, and data triangulation into RCCE activities is essential to drive targeted responses and promote preventive measures. By utilizing data and evidence-based practices, decision-making processes can be informed to enhance overall response capacity.
Partners in RCCE are working towards developing standard operating procedures, action plans, and training packages to enhance readiness and data utilization for community-centered responses to outbreaks and disasters. This collaborative effort is crucial for protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining essential services during emergencies.
As emergency response partners navigate complex health emergencies exacerbated by climate change and conflict in the region, RCCE remains a critical tool in fostering knowledge, collaboration, and action to support resilience, preparedness, and community well-being.
Africa CDC, UNICEF, IFRC, WHO, and UK-PHRST, along with other partners, are committed to conducting additional cross-border RCCE capacity-building workshops to reinforce resilience, preparedness, and community well-being throughout the region.