Purpose_x000D_
The purpose of the mission was to strengthen capacity for Emergency Risk Communication (ERC) among national and inter-agency response agencies in the Republic of Armenia. _x000D_
A 2-day integrated training and table top exercise (TTX) provided ERC theory, techniques, tools and practice enabling participants to better:_x000D_
• communicate in a timely and transparent manner;_x000D_
• coordinate communication to targeted audiences in ways that enable them to make informed health decisions; _x000D_
• engage with affected communities to strengthen and maintain open two-way communication; and_x000D_
• use effective communication channels and engage stakeholders. _x000D_
Upon completion of the training, a 2-day working group session was convened to support response agencies to develop a national all-hazard, intersectoral ERC plan._x000D_
Objectives and Outcomes_x000D_
1. Conduct a multi-sectoral ERC training. The training aimed to facilitate active learning and the application of ERC skills and competences. By the end of the training, participants demonstrated the ability to:_x000D_
• Define ERC and apply its core capacities_x000D_
• Develop a Single Overarching Communication Outcome (SOCO)_x000D_
• Conduct a stakeholder analysis_x000D_
• Identify procedures for early and transparent communication and coordination _x000D_
• Determine and address audience risk perceptions_x000D_
• Use community engagement and listening strategies to address audience information needs, including social media_x000D_
• Describe formative research techniques_x000D_
• Develop effective communication messages_x000D_
• Select effective channels and engage trusted influencers, including the media_x000D_
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2. Conduct a table top exercise. The ERC training complimented by a concise discussion-based tabletop exercise that tested a variety of risk communication interventions that were covered in the training programme._x000D_
• Discuss the public health consequences of a major disaster that compromises the health system capacity in the country (major earthquake)_x000D_
• Discuss issues arising from a nuclear event linked to the initial disaster_x000D_
• Practice communicating risk during a major event where there is a lack of clarity and a lack of accurate information_x000D_
• Discuss ‘trust issues’ with risk communication as such an event is likely to be difficult to communicate and there is an inherent concern within the community about radiological events,_x000D_
• Ensure that multiple aspects of a complex situation are addressed, in this case ensuring that the radiological event is not overly emphasised at the expense of the earthquake event._x000D_
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3. Facilitate a working group session to develop an all-hazard ERC plan._x000D_
• The working group convened about 30 experts and officials from Ministries of Health, Emergency Situation, Environment, Transport, Education, Territorial Administration, Police, local and international organizations, NGOs and UN agencies_x000D_
• The outcome of the mission was Version 1 of the National All-hazard Risk Communication Plan._x000D_
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