Coordinating risk communication and community engagement for a better COVID-19 response in Eastern and Southern Africa

Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) is crucial for effective public health emergency response, with coordination of RCCE essential to avoiding duplication, resource wastage and possible confusion at community level. We describe the structure and operational modalities of the regional RCCE coordination mechanism for COVID-19 in Eastern and Southern Africa since the declaration of the first cases in countries in the region in March 2020. Under the co-leadership of UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), more than 30 agencies including UN agencies, Non-Government organisations, media and interfaith councils shared information on their interventions and support to the regional COVID-19 response. The technical working group has facilitated the development of joint guidance and reports. The group also shared monthly community feedback reports, Fact sheets, Theme specific Guidance Notes, media webinars and Social science evidence reviews from the sub-working groups. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided complementary resources to strengthen the regional coordination and tailored support to country RCCE response processes. This manuscript documents a regional approach to RCCE coordination for public health emergency response for potential replication and knowledge to inform and guide future RCCE for preparedness and response at regional level.