Translating science for better health emergency preparedness
WHO aims to ensure that all people have timely access to accurate information during health emergencies, so they can make decisions to protect their health and the health of others in their community. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how much science- and evidence-informed actions and decisions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods during health emergencies. Journalists, healthcare workers, religious leaders, teachers and others became science communicators and translators to effectively fulfill their professional roles. At the same time, researchers were requested to communicate their results transparently and explain the underlying scientific processes to varied audiences.
WHO is leading a Science Translation (ST) initiative to make science accessible and understandable for better health emergency preparedness and response. ST for health emergencies includes the development of easily comprehensible and relevant messages, recommendations and actions informed by the best available scientific evidence. ST for health emergencies activities are based on an inclusive process of dialogue and collaboration with communities, researchers, the media, the health workforce and decision-makers.
Sustainable ST connections and structures between groups can be created and nurtured, which can then spring into action during health emergencies and crises. Understanding how science in health emergencies is generated, and evolves over time, is increased by building scientific and health literacy in communities, the media, decision-makers and the health workforce ahead of an emergency. This reduces uncertainty and mistrust during a health emergency.
To expand this work 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. This was followed by an informal consultation with ST experts in February 2023. Responding to calls from participants at these events, a Framework of Action for ST in health emergencies is being developed and a WHO global network for ST in health emergencies is being established. Other publications, tools and events are being developed including practical ST field guides tailored to the needs of key stakeholders such as communities and the media.
This work is part of WHO’s wider community-centered approach to epidemic and pandemic preparedness and builds on the success and reach of the EPI-WIN (WHO Information Network for Epidemics) platform. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, EPI-WIN carries out multiple examples of translation ‘in action’ through regular webinars, EPI-WIN digest slide sets and two established networks.
Based on the outcomes of the conference, informal consultation with experts and other activities, WHO ST in health emergencies initiative is working towards:
- Building a global, multidisciplinary network of entities involved in translating science and knowledge in health emergencies;
- Expanding and developing the EPI-WIN platform;
- Developing capacity building resources for ST in health emergencies, including toolkits and field guides; and
- Strengthening scientific and health literacy, including in non-health sector groups.
