Building capacities as part of emergency preparedness

WHO/Europe offers an innovative and extensive array of capacity-building opportunities across the full range of risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) topics. Expert trainers have run numerous specially adapted workshops across the WHO European Region with over 3000 responders from governments, civil society, and partner organizations. 

Increasing the capacity of countries to respond to RCCE-IM needs in emergencies is a priority in order to be able to face future emergencies. RCCE-IM is one of the International Health Regulations’ core capacities that countries are required to build and strengthen. 

 Among WHO’s products and activities are the following. 

• The RCCE-IM Capability Mapping Tool helps users self-assess their professional skills against desired levels. The tool suggests resources for RCCE-IM skills development and users can compare their skills within teams, departments, and the whole organization.
• The ground-breaking RCCE-IM Plan Creator offers a comprehensive online platform for RCCE-IM practitioners to develop both multi-hazard and specific-hazard plans in an interactive way, based on best practice tips gleaned from the COVID-19 response.
• The RCCE-IM School is a tailored workshop that brings together all the best practices from RCCE-IM across the 10 modules of the Plan Creator, including case studies, deep dives, exercises, and interactive discussions with experienced trainers. This highly rated course culminates in a simulation exercise where participants are confronted with a fictitious health emergency scenario so that they can apply what they have learned during the workshop.