For community engagement with research during the early stages of an outbreak
Guidance
Increasingly, guidance from response agencies such as the WHO, UNICEF, IFRC and RCCE Collective Service, emphasizes a package of:
- Rapid stakeholder mapping
- Community profiling
- Social listening
- Rumour tracking
- Community feedback systems
- Rapid qualitative interviews
It's recommended that these are conducted in parallel with epidemiological investigation.
Resources
MESH have compiled a series of up-to-date resources to help you plan community engagement
WHO Risk Communication and Community Engagement Readiness and Response Toolkits
Designed for use during the first stages of outbreak response rather than long-term engagement programmes.
View RCCE toolkits
Rapid Assessment for Community Protection in Health Emergencies
Qualitative rapid research protocol designed to generate timely community insights and inform outbreak response strategies during public health emergencies.
Learn more
Toolkits for Addressing Infodemics and Rumours in Outbreaks
UNICEF and WHO resources offering practical guidance for rumours and misinformation during disease outbreaks and health emergencies.
Read resources
Earlier Guidelines and Resources
WHO Toolkits, resources and guidelines from during and pre-COVID-19
View past guidelines
Academic Literature
Publications of community engagement with health research in health emergencies
View publications
MESH General Engagement Resources
Resources to support community and stakeholder engagement during the health research cycle.
Read more