The main aim of the manual is to provide those responsible for MHPSS in emergencies with a reference document that can help them in the practical implementation of their activities with a community-based approach. Some of the activities aimed at strengthening the social fabric and helping people overcome their distress described in the manual include sociocultural, artistic, and educational programs and workshops, sport and play, rituals and celebrations, counselling and clinical and social support for those with severe mental disorders. The manual describes ways to integrate mental health and psychosocial support in other activities, like livelihood support, protection of vulnerable cases, and conflict transformation.
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New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can make humanitarian work better, faster and more effective, but there are dangers too, which is why the ICRC is proceeding with caution. Various departments across the ICRC – among them Digital Transformation & Data, Protection, Information and Communication Technology, Law and Policy – are grappling with these innovations and their implications in different ways. In this article, ICRC looks at one example.
Good risk communication is crucial for raising awareness among citizens and business about the risks their countries face. However, many countries have seen their risk communication tools fail in the past, leading to persistently low levels of risk awareness, especially in the absence of recent disasters. This OECD report surveys current trends in risk communication policies and practices across OECD and partner countries. It seeks to understand why risk communication tools have failed and what OECD countries can do to improve the effectiveness of their risk communication policies. Based on an OECD-wide survey, the report evaluates the degree to which countries have used risk communication tools to not only increase risk awareness but to inform stakeholders about potential preparedness and prevention measures they can take to boost their resilience to future risks.
Risk communication and community engagement are essential for any disease outbreak response. This is particularly critical during outbreaks of Ebola which may create fear in the public and frontline responders alike due to the severe presentation of symptoms, misunderstanding of the causes of illness and high fatality rates.
The communication guidelines presented in this report build on the systematization of good practices on DRR communication in the Caribbean region, by presenting guidelines to expand and replicate the good practices in a systematic, consistent manner. The guidelines aim to support mutual reinforcement of good practices and enhanced effectiveness. The guidelines also reflect linkages to the work done by DIPECHO partners in Central America and South America, to ensure consistency and harmonization of practices.