Risk communication – A moving target in the fight against infectious hazards and epidemics

Risk communication is central to epidemic and pandemic control. It has been practised widely in the past but with varying levels of success. Risk communication should have a full place at the outbreak response table, on par and in step with all other public health interventions. Lessons from recent experience provide a learning opportunity to enable this field of public health work to further evolve.

As a specialized area of public health science, risk communication practice is used to communicate effectively in high-concern situations and is essential in building the evidence base that drives public health

action during disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

Experts from many scientific disciplines frequently find themselves in the field of risk communication, some with little preparation. Many experts from biomedical and operational backgrounds lack the understanding or support needed to fully utilise the tools and strategies that have steadily evolved in this field over the past few decades.