Information management and communication in emergencies and disasters: manual for disaster response teams

Abstract

This manual intends to facilitate the work of communication specialists who are members of the PAHO/WHO Regional Disaster Response Team as well as for those working in the health sector in general. The manual provides recommendations on dealing with the context and conditions where information is needed, guidelines on producing reports and distributing information for different audiences, how to manage communication media, and planning the work of communication during emergency response. Effective communication and information management are obviously critical to the overall process of managing and reducing the risks of disaster. For practical reasons, this manual focuses on communication and information management during emergency preparedness and response phases. It serves as a complement to documents, guidelines, and courses made available by PAHO/WHO and other organizations on communicating risk management.