Translating science for better health emergency preparedness
Translating science into messages, recommendations and actions that are easily comprehensible, accessible and relevant to different audiences is a vital element of health emergency preparedness. An ongoing dialogue between researchers, the public, the media, the health workforce and decision-makers is crucial to increase understanding, trust and engagement in science and public health measures.
By building scientific and health literacy among the public, the media and the health workforce ahead of an emergency, the understanding of how evidence is generated and evolves over time is being increased. This reduces uncertainty and mistrust during a health emergency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much science and evidence-based public health measures can affect people’s lives. Journalists, healthcare workers, religious leaders, teachers and others had to become science communicators to effectively fulfill their professional roles. At the same time, researchers were requested to communicate their results transparently and explain the underlying scientific process.
Recognizing the challenge and importance of making science accessible and understandable to all, WHO works to promote science translation for better health emergency preparedness. As a first step, WHO convened a global conference in June 2021 to learn from the public and over 60 experts about how to effectively communicate science prior to and during health emergencies.
Based on the outcomes of the conference WHO will work towards:
- building a global, multidisciplinary network of science communicators;
- developing sector-specific tools and capacity building resources for science translation;
- strengthening scientific and health literacy; and
- developing innovative science translation concepts for future health emergencies.
