Health Communications

Implementation of health communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemics is facing many challenges, such as increased unpredictability of information, overload, and misinformation. Ensuring transparency in information delivery, advancing scientific research about the epidemic to prevent the spread of propaganda and myths, and keenly analyzing data helps to determine the impact of the communication strategies implemented.

Agencies of the government and the health agencies should identify vital information and communicate the critical messages regarding COVID-19 19 to the public. For instance, by putting across points briefly and using less complicated terms to avoid misinterpretation. A tweet by the health communication unit, passing information about COVID-19 19, should be concise and straightforward. Stating crucial information first allows those who do not pay full attention to the news to grasp the info initially.

Messages conveyed should be designed to achieve the intended results directly. For example, instead of ensuring preventive measures by telling people the dangers of COVID-19 19, communication centres should instead focus on telling the public the exact ways to prevent contracting the disease, such as wearing masks, regular cleaning of hands etc. Also, paying particular attention to the affected individuals is an effective strategy of communication. Information from the media and that available on various websites should be continuously updated to match the coronavirus’s recent discoveries. Communicators need to be very careful in presenting information by providing evidence and explaining what they base their conclusions on to avoid mistrust or misinterpretation by the public. This clears any doubts or suspicion from the public.

Lastly, involving the community or citizens in the health communication process. This engagement helps identify crucial communication gaps the society. It is also helpful in addressing any existing barriers in culture and clarifies any misinformation. Involving citizens enables easy administration and obedience of measures put in place by considering their feedback.

References

Chen, Q., Min, C., Zhang, W., Wang, G., Ma, X., & Evans, R. (2020). Unpacking the black box: How to promote citizen engagement through government social media during the COVID-19 crisis. Computers in Human Behavior, 106380.

Ratzan, S. C., Sommarivac, S., & Rauh, L. (2020). Enhancing global health communication during a crisis: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic