In today’s interconnected world, public health emergencies can unfold rapidly, with information—and misinformation—spreading at an unprecedented speed. For health managers, the ability to communicate effectively, transparently, and with empathy is no longer a soft skill, but a critical tool for protecting public safety and maintaining trust. This course is designed to equip professionals with the strategic and tactical skills needed to navigate the complex communication challenges that arise during an outbreak, disaster, or other health crisis.

This program moves beyond the theoretical, focusing on practical and real-world application. Participants will learn how to build a robust communication infrastructure before a crisis hits, develop messages that resonate with diverse audiences, and skillfully engage with traditional media and digital platforms. By mastering these essential competencies, health managers will be empowered to lead their organizations with confidence, ensure public understanding, and ultimately, contribute to more successful health outcomes in times of emergency.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Public health officers and officials
• Hospital and healthcare system public relations managers
• Emergency management and preparedness staff
• Communication professionals in government and NGOs
• Health information and data specialists
• Community health workers and liaison officers
• Epidemiologists and researchers involved in outbreaks
• Social media managers for health organizations
• Journalists covering public health issues
• Healthcare executives and administrators

Objectives

• Establish a strategic framework for communication during a public health crisis.
• Develop clear, consistent, and empathetic messages for diverse audiences.
• Effectively utilize traditional and social media platforms to disseminate critical information.
• Counter misinformation and disinformation rapidly and transparently.
• Build and maintain public trust and credibility in a high-stakes environment.
• Conduct effective media interviews and public briefings.
• Plan and prepare for communication challenges before an emergency occurs.
• Engage communities and key stakeholders as partners in risk communication.
• Conduct a post-crisis evaluation to improve future communication efforts.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Crisis Communication in Public Health

• The principles of effective communication during an emergency
• The role of trust, transparency, and empathy
• Understanding the public perception of risk and uncertainty
• Identifying and segmenting key audiences and stakeholders
• The communication lifecycle of a public health emergency

Module 2: Pre-Crisis Planning and Preparedness

• Developing a comprehensive crisis communication plan
• Building a core communication team and identifying key roles
• Selecting and training spokespeople for different media formats
• Creating a system for message approval and timely dissemination
• Establishing media monitoring and social listening protocols

Module 3: Strategic Message Development

• Crafting clear, concise, and actionable messages
• The Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) model
• Tailoring messages for different cultural and literacy levels
• Using visuals and data effectively to communicate risk
• Creating holding statements and key messaging documents

Module 4: Media Relations and Engagement

• Navigating the 24/7 news cycle and digital media landscape
• Best practices for press conferences and media briefings
• Conducting successful media interviews and answering tough questions
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with journalists
• Responding to media inquiries and correcting inaccuracies

Module 5: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation

• Understanding the spread and psychology of misinformation
• Strategies for identifying and monitoring false narratives
• Developing a proactive plan for debunking rumors and myths
• The ethical responsibilities of communicators in this environment
• Empowering the public to identify and resist misinformation

Module 6: Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• The importance of community participation in communication
• Strategies for engaging with community leaders and trusted sources
• Utilizing social media for direct public interaction and feedback
• Collaborating with partner organizations and government agencies
• Building a two-way dialogue to address public concerns

Module 7: Post-Crisis Review and Future Readiness

• Conducting a comprehensive post-action review of communication efforts
• Measuring the impact and effectiveness of messaging campaigns
• Updating the crisis communication plan based on lessons learned
• Communicating the recovery phase and lessons from the emergency
• Building a culture of continuous learning and preparedness

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.