Regional action framework on communication for health: a vision for using communication to improve public health in the Western Pacific Region

Strategic communication is at the heart of public health and more important than ever in the digital age. Using communication strategically requires expertise, skills and resources to plan, implement and evaluate interventions that encourage governments to implement policies that improve people’s lives and well-being, that empower health workers to deliver the best care possible, and that encourage people to take actions that protect and improve their health and that of their family and community. This Regional Action Framework on Communication for Health (C4H) aims to support Member States in implementing the C4H approach. It outlines steps to be taken by WHO and Member States to use C4H to achieve shared public health goals in the Western Pacific.

Report of the inaugural meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management in the WHO European Region: Copenhagen, Denmark, 26–27 April 2023

The inaugural meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) in WHO European Region took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 26–27 April 2023 in the presence of Dr Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe. TAG members gave advice on ongoing and planned WHO strategies and actions on RCCE-IM in line with TAG’s terms of reference as well as methods and priorities for future work.

Руководство по адаптации программ здравоохранения: использование анализа поведенческих и культурных факторов с целью адаптации мер политики, услуг и коммуникации, связанных со здоровьем, к потребностям и условиям жизни людей и сообществ

Некоторые из наиболее актуальных проблем в области здравоохранения напрямую связаны с поведением людей.К таким проблемам относятся в том числе чрезмерное использование антибиотиков, употребление алкогольной и табачной продукции, недостаточно высокий охват вакцинацией и скринингами на онкологические заболевания, отказ от безопасного поведению в условиях пандемии или в области репродуктивного здоровья, а также низкая приверженность режимам лечения диабета и сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний. Все перечисленное создает существенную нагрузку на системы здравоохранения,а также негативно влияет на здоровье и благополучие людей. Для решения этих проблем требуется принятие мер, основанных на фактических данныхи учитывающих понимание как поведениялюдей в указанных ситуациях, связанных со здоровьем, так и культурных особенностей, и взаимодействие со всеми вовлеченными в процесс людьми. Связанные со здоровьем услуги, меры политики и коммуникациямогут быть адаптированы за счет применения фактических данных, моделей и методов из таких областей знания, как поведенческие науки и культурология,что позволяет улучшить результаты осуществления таких мер. В качестве способа достижения этой цели в настоящем руководстве представлен метод адаптации программ здравоохранения (АПЗ), который предназначен для органов здравоохраненияи для экспертов, планирующих применение анализа поведенческих и культурных факторов (АПКФ) в области здравоохранения. Метод АПЗ состоит из четырех этапов, предусматривающих осуществление ряда шагов, и опирается на специальную теоретическую модель и концептуальную основу. Прилагаемое к настоящему документу практическое руководство содержит полезные идеи и упражнения, дополняющие собой предлагаемый материал. Метод АПЗ может применяться к любым моделям поведения в отношении здоровья и любым группам населения.

Implementing resolution EUR/RC72/R1: WHO regional meeting on behavioural and cultural insights for health

This meeting report summarizes key points, discussions and conclusions from a regional meeting held on 12–14 September 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark, to advance the implementation of a 5-year European regional action framework on behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) for health. In total, 112 participants attended the meeting: representatives of 48 Member States, nine partner organizations, and WHO headquarters and four regional offices. Participants discussed the status of five strategic commitments related to BCI made by Member States: engaging stakeholders; conducting research; using BCI to inform health policies service sand communication; investing human and financial resources; and implementing strategic plans for BCI. These discussions were informed by Member States’ reporting to WHO on their BCI-related activities and an interview study with national BCI focal points that explored barriers and drivers to using BCI in public health. Participants agreed that BCI is underfunded, organizational cultures often hinder efficient use of BCI, and there is a great need for capacity-building. Despite this, the meeting demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for BCI and a call for a strong community of practice across countries was voiced. The WHO Regional Office for Europe will follow up this meeting with further meetings, advocacy and technical support.

Борьба с ложной информацией при чрезвычайных ситуациях в области здравоохранения: практический инструментарий

В настоящем инструментарии описываются процедуры выявления и нейтрализации ложной информации в рамках следующих пяти этапов: выявление информационных сигналов, их проверка, оценка рисков, разработка мер реагирования и информационная работа с населением. Инструментарий можно рассматривать в качестве ценного источника информации для органов власти и других заинтересованных сторон; он помогает активно бороться с инфодемией и содействует распространению достоверных сведений и принятию обоснованных решений в области общественного здравоохранения.

Managing false information in health emergencies: an operational toolkit

The proposed toolkit provides procedures for the detection and handling of false information, following a five-step process involving signal detection, verification, risk assessment, response design and outreach. A valuable resource for authorities and other stakeholders, this toolkit helps facilitate active infodemic management, promoting accurate information dissemination and informed public health decisions.

Европейский центр ВОЗ по первичной медико-санитарной помощи: отчет о проделанной работе за 2022 г.

Настоящий отчет посвящен работе Европейского центра ВОЗ по первичной медико-санитарной помощи в 2022 г. На фоне спада пика пандемии COVID-19 Центр ускорил оказание странам поддержки очно для содействия проведению анализа и диагностики, разработки стратегий и мер регулирования, наращиванию потенциала и отслеживанию хода внедрения тех или иных инициатив и их эффективности. Центр оказывал активную поддержку странам, входящим в Партнерство по обеспечению всеобщего охвата услугами здравоохранения. Кроме того, Центр продолжил разработку рекомендаций, публикацию материалов о передовом опыте работы, реализацию мероприятий по наращиванию потенциала и проведение политических диалогов, а также укрепил свой уникальный продукт – ток-шоу «Давайте поговорим о первичной медико-санитарной помощи». Главным итогом 2022 г. стал запуск двух демонстрационных платформ первичной медико-санитарной помощи ВОЗ, предназначенных для упрощения обмена опытом между странами.

WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care: annual report 2022

This report describes the activities of the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care in 2022.The Centre accelerated face-to-face country support after the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to support countries in engaging in analysis and diagnosis, developing strategies and policies, building capacity and tracking implementation progress and impact. The Centre delivered intensive support in the countries of the Universal Health Coverage Partnership. The Centre continued to develop policy guidance, publish good practices, have capacity-building activities and policy dialogues and solidified its signature product Let’s Talk Primary Health Care talk show platform. The highlight of 2022 was the launch of two WHO Primary Health Care Demonstration Platforms to facilitate cross-country experience exchange.

A guide to tailoring health programmes: using behavioural and cultural insights to tailor health policies, services and communications to the needs and circumstances of people and communities

Some of the most persistent public health challenges are dependent on human behaviour. These include, among many others, overuse of antibiotics, use of tobacco and alcohol, suboptimal uptake of vaccination and cancer screening, lack of pandemic or sexual protective behaviours, and low adherence to treatment plans for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These challenges place a weighty burden on health systems and on the health and well-being of individuals. They call for evidence-based action that draws on an understanding of these health behaviours and the cultural context in which they take place, and on engaging with those affected. Using evidence, models and methods from behavioural and cultural sciences allows to tailor health-related services, policies and communication, thereby improving their outcomes. This guide offers an approach to do so, the Tailoring Health Programmes (THP) approach, and is aimed at public health units and experts who would like to apply behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) to health. The approach comprises four phases, each involving several steps, as well as a theoretical model and framework. An accompanying tool book offers inspirational ideas and exercises that complement the advice given in this guide. The THP approach can be applied to any health behaviour in any population group.

Информирование о рисках, связанных с загрязнением атмосферного воздуха в Европейском регионе ВОЗ: обзор индексов качества воздуха и извлеченные уроки

В данном докладе представлен обзор индексов качества воздуха, используемых в 37 государствах-членах Европейского региона ВОЗ, а также некоторые наблюдения/предложения в отношении будущих мероприятий по улучшению информирования о риске загрязнения воздуха. В регионе информация о качестве воздуха широко доступна для населения, как онлайн, так и через официальные мобильные приложения. Информацию о прогнозируемом загрязнении воздуха часто сообщают вместе с данными мониторинга загрязнения воздуха в режиме почти реального времени. В большинстве стран используются национальные индексы качества воздуха вместо единого индекса, например, разработанного Европейским агентством по окружающей среде, а в некоторых применяется несколько различных индексов. Для расчета значений индексов используется широкий спектр подходов, но общая структура индексов схожа. Многие индексы не предусматривают строгой валидации для обеспечения соответствия значений индексов рискам для здоровья на уровне населения. Качество сопроводительной информации о здоровье варьируется в широких пределах, но во всем регионе были найдены хорошие примеры. В лучших примерах представлена информация о затронутых группах населения, описаны вероятные симптомы и даны конкретные рекомендации по снижению воздействия и рисков для здоровья. Учитывая широкий диапазон наблюдаемых концентраций загрязняющих веществ, смесей и предпочтений в отношении рисков, очень важно обеспечить специально разработанные информационные сообщения о здоровье наряду с информацией об индексных показателях. В дополнение к валидационным исследованиям на основе состояния здоровья населения, исследования должны быть направлены на понимание того, как население использует индексы качества воздуха (включая специальные предупреждения): сколько людей знают об этом индексе, регулярно ли они его изучают, изменяют ли они поведение в ответ на полученную информацию, и какие конкретные действия они предпринимают, реагируя на значения индекса и соответствующие сообщения о вреде для здоровья.

Risk communication of ambient air pollution in the WHO European Region: review of air quality indexes and lessons learned

This report provides an overview of air quality indexes used in 37 Member States of the WHO European Region and some observations/suggestions for future developments to improve risk communication on air pollution. In the Region, air quality information is widely available to the public, both online and through official mobile apps. Forecasted air pollution information is often reported alongside near real-time air pollution monitoring data. Most countries use a national Air Quality Index instead of a uniform index, such as that provided by the European Environment Agency, and some use several different indexes. A wide range of approaches are used to calculate index values, but the general structure of indexes is similar. Many indexes lack rigorous validation to ensure that index values correspond to population-level health risks. Quality of the accompanying health messaging varies widely, but good examples were found throughout the Region. The best examples provide information on the affected subpopulations, describe likely symptoms and make specific recommendations to reduce exposures and health risks. Given the wide range of pollutant concentrations, mixtures and risk preferences observed, it is critical to provide tailored health messaging to accompany index levels. In addition to health-based validation studies, research should focus on understanding how the public uses air quality indexes (including special alerts): how many people are aware of the index, whether they consult it regularly, whether they modify behaviour in response to the information, and what specific actions they take in response to index values and associated health messages.

Storytelling handbook

Great stories can touch hearts, change minds and create public health impact. That’s why storytelling is a key part of the Communication for Health (C4H) approach in the WHO Western Pacific Region. This publication provides practical guidance and tools to develop foundational skills in creating and disseminating stories for public health impact. It is intended for use by public health professionals working across all health areas.

What are the historical roots of the COVID-19 infodemic? Lessons from the past

This scoping review explores the history of the term infodemic and its usefulness as a tool for public health policy-making. It presents the information-related problems the term has encompassed; historical research on these problems, which predate the term itself; and in-depth analyses of their iterations in three historical outbreaks with long-term significance for public health policy: the 1918 influenza pandemic, the beginning of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, and the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of scientific practice that inadvertently contributed to the generation of misinformation, as well as other factors that played a role: historical legacies, persistent inequalities and a growing distrust of scientific authority. Historical perspective helps balance contemporary analyses of infodemics that focus too narrowly on the role of new social media in disseminating misinformation and disinformation. Insights derived from the historical record can also be useful to contemporary infodemic management.

COVID-19 pandemic response in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: 2020 progress report of the Incident Management Support Team

This progress report summarizes the activities and achievements of the Incident Management Support Team (IMST) in 2020 as it coordinated WHO’s regional response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Since it was established in January 2020 as the first cases of COVID-19 were being reported in the Eastern Mediterranean Region the IMST has provided strategic operational and technical support to countries of the Region. Its main roles have been coordination leadership strategic and technical guidance surveillance capacity-building logistics research and innovation to adapt to the everchanging situation. The IMST has served as a coordination platform to escalate areas of concern across the Region tailoring support to overcome challenges and address needs. Its achievements in all areas both at regional and country levels have made the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean a central player and a global asset in successfully responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 health system response monitor, Thailand

The COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor presents findings from a systematic approach to collect and synthesize up-to-date information on Singapore’s policy response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This publication is part of the APO’s COVID-19 HSRM series which presents detailed information on country-specific responses to COVID-19, to facilitate easy comparisons of health systems and public health, and policy responses to COVID-19. It also aims to strengthen evidence on the global response to the pandemic and allow for easy comparison of activities at national and sub-national levels. The series is updated to reflect changes in the health systems and policies to the COVID-19 response.

Assessing the health literacy and health communication needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey

Health literacy in health care is crucial to achieving a reduction in child mortality, improving maternal health, combating infectious diseases and improving health outcomes. However, refugees and migrants may have lower health literacy than the host community, most often due to poor access to educational resources and information programmes, and related to economic, social and language barriers. Refugees may also have difficulty interacting with health information due to low literacy levels and cultural and language challenges. This publication presents an assessment of health literacy and health communication, including health information needs and sources of information, among Syrian refugees in Turkey. It describes health literacy and the factors that determine health literacy, health information needs, common sources and channels of health information, and barriers to health communication among Syrian refugees. The publication concludes with recommendations for improving health literacy and health communication, including targeted, culturally sensitive health communication through preferred and commonly used channels that are endorsed by trusted sources.