Emergency communication in focus: the first multi hazard and multi stakeholder strategy launched by Tonga

The COVID-19 pandemic not only posed a burden on global health but also reminded us of the importance of timely, scientifically correct, and understandable public communication. As the virus spread, did a wave of misinformation and disinformation, referred to as the "infodemic." This overwhelming flood of false or misleading information created obstacles for public health efforts, often undermining trust in health authorities and complicating the delivery of essential health services. In Pacific islands, misinformation also fueled mistrust towards vaccines and disrupted other public health measures aimed at protecting communities.

Recognizing the need to address these challenges and to be better prepare for future health emergencies, Pacific Ministries of Health and WHO work closely together to ensure that clear, accessible, and accurate information reaches communities, empowering them to protect their health.

In August, Tonga Ministry of Health launched the Multi-Hazard Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategy, which guides governmental officials how to effectively communicate risks, engage communities, and address false or misleading information before, during, and after health emergencies. The strategy, which is the first of its kind in the Pacific, outlines roles and responsibilities in communication during outbreaks of infectious diseases but also other emergencies such as natural disasters and includes ready-to-use templates to ensure timely and clear communication.

"As the second most vulnerable country in the world to natural disasters, we face complex and interconnected threats. Risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management are essential components of our response," said Dr Ofa Sanft Tukia, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, Tonga. During her opening statement, she highlighted the Ministry's commitment to proactively prepare for and respond to a range of hazards in close cooperation with various stakeholders - such as Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tonga Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Tonga Police, and Tonga National Broadcasting Cooperation - whom also attended the launch.

The strategy builds on lessons learned from COVID-19 including how the country addresses mis- and disinformation. "During a health crisis, people seek guidance on protecting themselves and loved ones, and in the absence of information, false facts are more likely to spread. For this reason, I am happy that in collaboration with WHO, the Ministry of Health has developed this strategy to guide us in designing interventions that maintain public trust, address people's concerns, and ensure high-quality service delivery," Dr Tukia added.

In line with the strategy, WHO and the Ministry of Health organized an infodemic management training from 13 to 16 August. As mentioned by Dr Fusi Fifita, Chief Dental Officer at the Ministry of Health and guest of honor at the launch ceremony, this training has been also conducted as a result of the recent Joint External Evaluation (JEE) - an independent experts review to gauge national capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies: "Following the JEE conducted this year, independent experts recommended to strengthen this area holistically. In particular, managing an infodemic is crucial for us to prevent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and maintain trust within the healthcare system."

Over the course of three days, 30 health and communication professionals learned how to detect, understand, monitor, and respond to mis- and disinformation through lectures and practical exercises. "The training helped us understand what resources we have, what we need to strengthen, and how we can work together effectively across various sectors," said Dr Patelisio Patelisio, Head of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health about the training, which follows a similar training organized in Fiji in May and underscores the region's commitment to strengthen this area.

Ministry of health staff during the practical exercises. Credit: WHO/J.Isaacs

As the next steps after the training, the country is going to develop customized tools and establish a risk communication and community engagement working group with representatives from various sectors to tackle also mis- and disinformation. WHO Country Liaison Officer, Dr Anup Gurung further emphasized the next steps: "The journey has just begun. While the strategy is a valuable document, we will continue working closely with the Ministry to translate theory into effective practice."

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