Returning to School Safely: A COVID-19 RCCE Initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

This article provides an overview of the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) initiative led by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Regional RCCE Interagency Working Group for the academic year 2020-2021. The initiative's primary objective was to facilitate a safe return to school amid the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided guidance and resources designed to benefit a wide range of audiences, including children and their caregivers (e.g. parents, guardians, teachers, administrators and others). Emphasizing health and well-being, the initiative transcended academics to address emotional support and effective communication. Key components of the initiative included a multi-faceted approach that involved social listening, coordination and language adaptation, all informed by extensive research. Social media played a pivotal role in disseminating critical information and engaging diverse audiences. Challenges faced, such as resource constraints and limited access to remote communities, underscored the importance of resource allocation, a robust RCCE framework, digital inclusion, flexible communication strategies, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation. The lessons drawn from this initiative serve as a blueprint for future pandemic preparedness and response efforts. Collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the integration of RCCE and social media into strategies are paramount. In the diverse and challenging Eastern Mediterranean Region, these insights will continue to guide efforts to protect public health and community well-being. Moreover, these lessons transcend regional boundaries, offering global relevance and potential to enhance pandemic preparedness and response worldwide.