Health Communication

Effective health communication is a cornerstone of public health practice worldwide. It shapes how people understand risks, adopt healthy behaviors, and make informed decisions. Global health frameworks, including the WHO Thirteenth General Programme of Work, highlight the need for strong knowledge generation, sharing, and translation to support health systems, improve emergency response, and bridge the gap between evidence and action.

Communication is essential for tackling misinformation, promoting preventive behaviors, supporting health workers, and engaging communities in ways that are culturally appropriate and accessible.

Countries across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) face persistent challenges that limit effective communication and knowledge exchange. Limited platforms for researchers and practitioners, fragmented information channels, and underrepresentation of LMICs at global health meetings create barriers to sharing evidence and influencing policy. Weak knowledge translation slows the transfer of research into action, and communities often rely on inconsistent or outdated health information. During crises conflicts, emergencies, outbreaks, and communication gaps widen, hindering the delivery of accurate messages, response coordination, and community trust. 

Check Out Our Communication and Networking Area Profile  

Why EMPHNET is involved

We engage in health communication to close gaps that weaken health systems and limit effective public health action across the EMR. The region needs stronger platforms for sharing knowledge, more inclusive representation in global health discourse, and better mechanisms to translate evidence into policies and practice. Our involvement is driven by the need to:

• Strengthen knowledge management and ensure health information is accessible and usable.
• Support LMICs in overcoming barriers to participation in global health discussions.
• Improve communication links between researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.
• Ensure that marginalized communities and conflict-affected countries have a voice in regional and global platforms.
• Address misinformation and support countries in building resilient, people-centered communication systems.

Our Approach

• Positioning Regional Voices Within Global Arenas

We connect countries and institutions to global networks, ensuring that regional priorities inform international agendas and shared actions.

• Leveraging the Most Effective Tools for Health Communication

We use online and offline media, digital solutions, and capacity-building initiatives to expand reach, strengthen literacy, improve risk communication, and advance health promotion.

• Building Bridges Across Borders and Professions

We facilitate cross-border and multidisciplinary exchange to enhance collaboration and strengthen public health action across the region.

• Harnessing Digital Innovation to Broaden Knowledge Reach

We invest in digital platforms, virtual learning, and information-sharing tools to overcome geographic limitations and reach wider audiences.

• Ensuring Representation of Marginalized Voices

We amplify the voices of underserved communities and underrepresented countries in global forums, supporting visibility and equitable participation.

Our Contributions

• Health Communication in Action

We empower communities and frontline workers with accurate, culturally relevant information using interpersonal, community-led, mass, and digital communication approaches. Activities include training frontline health workers, developing IPC manuals, creating IEC materials, and holding awareness sessions across Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

• Community-Led Communication

We work directly with communities, especially in fragile settings, to counter vaccine hesitancy, build trust, and promote immunization through tailored strategies. Examples include:

• Rural communication strategies in Afghanistan
• Mother-led engagement in Pakistan
• Nomadic community dialogues in Somalia
• Volunteer-driven awareness in Yemen
• Mobile cinema outreach in Sudan

• Risk Communication During Emergencies

We support countries in delivering timely, actionable messages during crises. Contributions include:

• RCCE training at points of entry during COVID-19
• Development of infodemic management guidelines
• Community outreach through PACT reaching 203 million people across 180,000+ households
• Community Health Champions reaching thousands of women and children across Egypt, Morocco, and Somalia

• Occupational Health Risk Communication

We deliver specialized communication sessions to support laboratory and healthcare workers with skills to manage biological hazards, IPC, and occupational risks effectively.

• Interpersonal Communication (IPC)

We train health workers on empathetic, effective communication with caregivers to address concerns, support vaccine uptake, and promote healthy behaviors. We also develop home visit manuals, IEC materials, and community session guides.

• Mass Communication and Digital Outreach

Through social media, TV, radio, and press engagement, we disseminate evidence-based health information, counter misinformation, and amplify public health messaging across the region. Topics span infectious diseases, NCDs, maternal and child health, emergency management, and more.

• Strengthening Networks and Partnerships

We maintain active membership in global and regional networks such as GOARN, Pandemic Action Network, IANPHI, the MENA HPV Coalition, and others, enhancing collaboration, visibility, and collective action in public health.

Read more about our partners and collaborators.

• Supporting Regional Health Platforms

We host the EMPHNET Regional Conference, WEBi Series, and Engage Internship Program, creating spaces for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building across the EMR.

Projects (Current and Completed)

Current

Completed