Risk communication and community engagement readiness and response toolkit: cholera

Overview

This toolkit provides practical guidance to support risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) for cholera preparedness, readiness and response at country level. Developed for RCCE practitioners, decision-makers, health authorities and partners, it presents evidence-informed tools, strategies and resources to strengthen community-centred approaches throughout the health emergency cycle. The publication outlines the role of RCCE in cholera prevention and control, summarizes essential background information on the disease, and explains how to adapt interventions to local epidemiological, social and operational contexts. It emphasizes the importance of involving affected communities in planning, implementation and monitoring to improve trust, participation and public health outcomes.

The toolkit includes practical instruments for situational and stakeholder analysis, community mapping, rapid community assessments, behavioural analysis, readiness planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and infodemic management. It also provides key communication messages, guidance on oral cholera vaccination, considerations for preventing stigma and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, and case studies illustrating community-centred responses in diverse settings. By promoting coordinated, evidence-based and context-specific RCCE activities, the toolkit aims to strengthen preparedness, support timely outbreak response and contribute to more equitable and effective cholera prevention and control efforts.