The effectiveness of risk communication during public health emergencies (PHEs) is often hindered by a variety of contributing factors, including rapidly evolving evidence and information exchange that can foster misinformation and undermine public trust and public behaviour.

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), and the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), National University of Singapore (NUS) convened a high-level meeting on risk communication for PHEs in Singapore from the 6-7 November 2024, with the aim of strengthening countries’ capabilities to support risk communication for PHEs, using a Whole of Society (WoS) approach. The meeting provided a platform for bi-regional exchange on best practices and lessons learnt during the COVID-19 with more than 50 officials from health ministries, cross-sector representatives, and members of civil society, including NGOs, international organisations, academia, and the private sector from 27 Asian and European countries in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Professor Hsu Li Yang, Director at the Asia Centre for Health Security, emphasised the crucial building blocks required for risk communication during PHEs to be effective, “Building public trust and societal resilience against misinformation is something that has to occur not only during crises but also in all areas of public discourse for society to come together and be receptive to public communications during crisis.”

A highlight of the high-level meeting was the fireside chat with Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health, who shared valuable insights into effective communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discussed Singapore’s “4Cs” approach to communication, which guided the nation’s public health response. The first C, Consolidate, emphasised the importance of centralising messages to minimise errors and ensure the public received essential information. The second C, Current, focused on keeping communication up to date to address public concerns promptly. Competency highlighted the need for authorities to demonstrate expertise by clearly explaining issues and serve as a reliable source of truth — even when things don’t go according to plan. Finally, Correct, stressed the importance of delivering accurate and truthful information to combat misinformation and ensure public trust. These strategies were integral to Singapore’s successful communication efforts during the pandemic.

During the simulation exercises and panel discussions conducted over two days, attendees discussed factors affecting risk communication and recognised the need for a Whole of Government (WoG) and Whole of Society (WoS) approach, the engagement of diverse communities, and fostering international collaboration to ensure comprehensive and effective responses to future PHEs.

The key recommendations to strengthen risk communication that were collectively agreed upon by attendees included:

(1) Centralised and consistent communication with diverse and tailored messaging to ensure cultural appropriateness

(2) Engaging and empowering the public; and building and maintaining trust to counter misinformation

(3) Working on preparedness and resilience building during peacetime; and

(4) Balancing public health and economic impact with a Whole of Society (WoS) approach, proactive surveillance and prioritising health needs.

The recommendations from the meeting will be summarised into a report that will compliment ongoing risk communication efforts for PHEs and beyond, aimed at keeping communities informed, actively engaged and enhancing global readiness for future pandemics.  The joint report will be made available on our website in the first quarter of 2025.