Using different channels to share information

28 October 2015

Just-in-time communications with international media during natural disasters

WHO has an essential role to play in supporting countries to prepare for, respond to and recover from public health emergencies. Here, Dr Roderico Ofrin briefs a BBC media crew on the most urgent needs after the devastating Nepal earthquake in April 2015.

Community radio vital in building local resilience

Radio remains the strongest channel to reach the largest number of people in Africa. Community radio channels are vital, grassroots media outlets that extend into hard-to-reach populations. Here, a team of experts from the Ministry of Health and WHO confirm an Ebola outbreak in remote communities of Kasai Occidental province, Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2007. Community radio was vital in building local resilience, sharing best practices and giving practical information in a language that people trust.

Sharing information on digital media

People in China use their tablet computers to follow WHO press briefings on the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in South Korea. Digital media surpasses traditional print media as the most read media channel during public health emergencies.

Increasing usage of social networks during public health emergencies

WHO displays its Tweets in real-time at the 66th World Health Assembly. Here, the Tweet gives an update from the H7N9 influenza side event. Social media is increasingly crucial in raising public awareness about risks during public health emergencies.

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