Upon finishing the course, participants should be able to: - Design risk communication strategies using a risk map to analyze the local context and systematically incorporating lessons learned. - Understand the importance of risk perceptions and other relevant risk communication concepts and incorporate these in the design of effective strategies and in adjustments according to the local context. - Identify monitoring and evaluation activities appropriate for the interventions and communication processes in the risk communication strategy. - Understand the important steps for communicating effectively with the internal and external target audiences, including partners, stakeholders, the media, online social networks, health personnel and the public.

Identify core issues that should be addressed when deciding whether to announce or withhold information during a public health emergency.

- Understand the need to integrate risk communication into the planning process of national risk management and emergency response strategies. - Understand the conceptual and theoretical foundations of risk perception and their applicability during a response to a public health emergency. - Learn basic principles for strengthening internal and inter-agency communication coordination during a public health emergency response.

- Introduce basic concepts about effective communication with the public and the media during public health emergencies. - Demonstrate how "listening" to the public helps the authorities develop responses that effectively address public concerns. - Identify tools for effective communication with the public and the media.

Integrate risk communication into the public health emergency planning and response processes.