Risk Communication And Community Engagement (Rcce)
Overview
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) is a critical component of public health emergency preparedness and response. It ensures that accurate, timely, and actionable information reaches communities, and that public health authorities listen to and act on community feedback. RCCE empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions to protect their health and wellbeing.
Our RCCE Objectives
To provide accurate,
and culturally appropriate information to the public.
To strengthen two-way
communication with communities to enhance trust and promote health-seeking behaviors.
To engage communities
actively in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
To integrate community
feedback into the design and implementation of public health interventions
Key Focus Areas
Risk Communication:
Disseminating timely and accurate health information using multiple platforms (radio, TV, social media, interpersonal communication, etc.).
Community Engagement:
Partnering with community leaders, civil society, and local influencers to co-design and implement health activities.
Community Feedback Mechanism:
Establishing structured systems to collect, analyze, and respond to community concerns, rumours, and misinformation.
Capacity Building:
Training health workers, volunteers, and communicators (media personnel) on RCCE tools, message design, and interpersonal skills.
Our Approach
We use a multi-channel and multi-sectoral approach that includes:
- Mass media and social media
- Community-based structures and local leaders
- Interpersonal communication (door-to-door, focus group discussions)
- Mobile and digital platforms (U-Report, WhatsApp, Call centres)
- Religious and traditional leaders
Highlights of RCCE Activities
- Support during health emergencies (e.g., cholera, COVID-19, Mpox, meningitis)
- Social mobilization during immunization campaigns
- RCCE planning and coordination at national and sub-national levels
- Production and distribution of Social Behavioral Change (SBC) materials
- Community feedback collection and rumour tracking
Partners and Stakeholders
We work closely with:
- Ministry of Health
- UNICEF, WHO, and other UN Agencies
- Zambia Redcross Society
- Civil Society Organizations
- Media Houses and Journalists
- Local government and traditional leaders