Recent health emergencies such as Ebola Virus Disease, Zika, and Yellow Fever illustrate that successful responses to emergency situations include social and behavior change communication (SBCC). The SBCC approach to emergencies focuses on preparing for and responding to public health emergencies by building resilience at both the health system and community levels. Therefore, integrating SBCC into emergency preparedness, response and recovery planning not only helps to ensure that communication is well coordinated but also that interventions reaching affected communities are evidence-based and result in long-term behavior change.

This webinar will explore the importance of SBCC for emergencies and the ways SBCC activities, tools and resources can inform the various communication aspects of emergencies.

Speakers will share first-hand experiences with heath emergencies and offer their perspectives on the role SBCC plays in emergency preparedness and response.

Moderator:

Amrita Gill Bailey, Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Presenters:

Dr. Alfonso Rosales, Maternal and Child Health Senior Technical Advisor, LACRO region Zika Response Director, World Vision US

Dr. Rafael Obregon, Chief of the Communication for Development Section,
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Mohamed Jalloh, MPH, Epidemiologist at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health