The application of social-behavioural approaches is increasingly being recognized as invaluable in nurturing relationships between communities and the agencies who serve them. With this in mind, more than 30 risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) experts from WHO and Ministries of Health in 11 European countries gathered from 3-10 June 2023 in Krakow, Poland, for the learning experience, “SocialNet + RCCE-IM School Training – Global Tools, Regional Guidance, Local Wisdom.” The five-day, face-to-face training focused upon paving the way for social sciences to be more fully integrated into response practices during health emergencies.
The event featured interactive didactic sessions, scenario-based application of skills and practice, and a functional exercise that mimicked real-life response activities. The event was supported by the US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) and the WHO EURO RCCE-IM School. The faculty included WHO and CDC experts speaking on the importance of RCCE in incident management structures. The event was a great success, with one participant describing it as, “Magnificent! It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Over the span of a week, we received comprehensive instruction that truly engaged us.”
Participants of the 2023 SocialNet + RCCE-IM School Training in Krakow