PAHO/WHO Belize and the Ministry of Health and Wellness conducts Workshop on Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Placencia, Stann Creek, Belize, June 12, 2025 (PAHO) - With a focus on influenza and health emergency preparedness and response, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), conducted a comprehensive three-day Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) workshop.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of public health professionals and community health workers (CHWs) to effectively communicate with and engage communities during health emergencies. While the primary focus was pandemic influenza preparedness and response, discussions also addressed broader strategies for managing various health emergencies. The feedback and lessons learned from this initiative will contribute to the development of a national RCCE plan for Belize.

RCCE plays a vital role in building resilience at the community level during health crises. It has been a proven, cost-effective public health intervention that empowers communities with the information they need to make informed decisions and protect their health. By delivering timely, relevant, and culturally appropriate messages, RCCE fosters trust between communities and health authorities, ensuring that health initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and effective.

The workshop featured both lecture-based sessions, interactive group discussions, and hands-on simulation exercises. The participants engaged in a simulation that mirrored a disease outbreak scenario, which allowed them to apply RCCE strategies in real-world situations. These exercises encouraged collaboration across Belize's public health units, enabling participants to address technical and operational challenges related to RCCE, including identifying key messages, selecting the most appropriate communication channels, and assessing the effectiveness of different approaches.

At the end of the training, participants were equipped to:

• Understand the key principles and concepts of RCCE, particularly in the context of pandemic influenza and other respiratory viruses, as well as other relevant health hazards.
• Develop clear RCCE objectives that ensure a whole-of-society approach to health emergencies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of RCCE strategies using real-world case studies.
• Develop the core components of a national RCCE plan, tailored to Belize's context and emergency management needs.

As Belize continues to face evolving threats, including disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and other health emergencies, PAHO/WHO Belize and the MoHW remain committed to equipping public health professionals with the essential tools, knowledge, and expertise to empower communities and enhance health emergency preparedness and response.