DOH-10 holds risk communication virtual seminar to HEPOs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) - In this time of pandemic where information can be accessed easily and misinformation can be too many over social media, Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales told the Health Education Promotion Officers (HEPOs) to craft a communication plan that invests and builds on trust.

In a recent risk communication virtual seminar conducted by the Department of Health (DOH)-10 for 80 HEPOs in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine deployment, Dr. Gonzales emphasized that people must be able to trust the programs of the government through a well-crafted risk communication plan.

Gonzales added that communicators must be able to provide accessibility, dependability, good/clear communication, mutual benefit, openness and provide accurate information to the receiver.

A good relationship between government communicators and the media, Dr. Gonzales said, is important to be able to deliver the message to a broader audience.

"Public outrage happens when hazards are unfamiliar and/or new," Gonzales stressed.

Gonzales cited SARS 2003 as the first global outbreak, highlighting the importance of communication in a public health emergency.

COVID 19, he said, affected all countries in terms of economy, travel, trade and tourism.

He underscored the need to invest in risk communication because every single intervention during a public health emergency would either succeed or fail depending on "the way we communicate." (JMORucat/PIA10)