The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Public Health Network and the General Department of Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health Viet Nam (GDPM-MoH) jointly co-organised a 3-day Regional Training on Risk Communications for Public Health Emergencies, on 25-27 September 2017 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Over 40 officials working in the area of risk communication across ASEAN+3 countries’ Ministries of Health gathered to share experience, learn, and network to combat potential pandemics in the future.
The training covered the basics of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications, including the psychology of a crisis, stakeholder and partner communications, and the use of social media. Participants were actively engaged during sessions aiming to increase understanding for the Risk Communication components of Joint External Evaluation, as well as national planning. The training also introduced the concept of Joint Information Centre and its variation, and participants visited Emergency Operation Centre of the Ministry of Health Viet Nam at the end of the training.