Zika Virus Infection: Step-by-Step Guide to Risk Communication and Community Engagement

"...information and communications about ZIKV and its consequences have multiplied exponentially, with information in many instances contradictory appearing in the news media, social networks, and other communication channels. This has led to considerable anxiety and confusion among the general public..."

This document from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / World Health Organization (WHO) offers spokespersons, health authorities and health workers, and partners inside and outside the health sector a guide to activities and recommendations for managing risk communication on the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is designed to assist them in tailoring communication initiatives to the needs of each country that resonate with the specific audience for which they are intended, be it the general public, pregnant women, women of reproductive age, health workers, partners and allies, or community leaders. The document provides:

• Technical content on ZIKV, its manifestations, complications, modes of transmission, and prevention measures to be used in answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) and conveying messages in information and communication materials, community talks, institutional websites, social networks, press conferences, etc.
• Recommendations for the preparation of risk communication and action plans to respond to ZIKV. As noted here, the elimination of mosquito breeding sites remains the most important strategy for the prevention and control of ZIKV (as well as dengue and chikungunya) infection. Therefore, communication plans for the response to ZIKV should include intersectoral action and community engagement to modify behaviours and encourage sustained practices to eliminate breeding sites and control the mosquito, as well as to inform and educate intended audiences about the steps they can take to prevent ZIKV transmission. Sections focus on:
  • Communication objectives for Public Health Communication Officials
  • Basic suppositions
  • Guiding principles for preparing risk communication plans
  • Evaluation of risk perception
  • Main communication channels
  • Audience segmentation
  • Appointment of official ZIKV spokespersons
  • Tasks for internal organisation of the risk communication team
  • Tasks to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations
  • Liaison with stakeholders and partners
  • Preparatory stage
  • Preparation of messages and distribution channels
  • Examples of immediate activities in your communication plan
  • Examples of the principal key messages
  • "Listen": monitoring communications
  • Media relations
  • Community engagement