Global Health Security Conference Workshop

Science and Communication – Pandemic Friend or Foe?

This interactive session will offer hands-on experience in improving understanding and creating effective public health communication messages in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EID) and the critical importance of ground-breaking research to detect such events. In the first half, participants will strategize ways to effectively incorporate social and behavioral change (SBC) to prevent and respond to emerging pandemics. Delegates will gain an increased understanding of the role of evidence-based SBC strategies in pandemic prevention and response – moving from risk communication to more holistic SBC strategies; identify promising approaches to increase demand and use of preventative practices and products, and identify practical strategies to address misinformation and disinformation. During the second half of this session, delegates will engage in a lively debate exploring both the potential opportunities and harms from public health research aimed at preventing and detecting EID. Delegates will explore the possibilities that current developments in science, research and public health offer for EID prevention and control while also reflecting on methods to avoid potential harm from the double edge sword that such research may pose.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the workshop! We would like to acknowledge our FHI 360 colleagues who contributed to the conference, workshop, and its proceedings: Janet Robinson, Ebi Bile, Emily Bockh, Heather Chotvacs, Salomon Compaore, Anicet Dahourou, Maya Graham, Sarah Laing, Josiah Njeru, Joshua Odero, Pat Sadate-Ngatchou, and Christina Wong. We also extend our appreciation to Irinn Vinaiphat at FHI 360 Design Lab for the design, Stevie Daniels with FHI 360 Global Health Population & Research for copy editing, and FHI 360 for providing financial support.