FCTA Launches Risk Communication and Community Engagement Team to Boost Public Health Emergency Response
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a multi-sectoral Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team to enhance response to public health emergencies in the territory. The team, comprising members from various secretariats, departments, agencies, media, religious bodies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations, was launched in Abuja on Friday after a two-day workshop.
The RCCE team is tasked with responding to public health emergencies and engaging with communities across the six area councils of the FCT. Additionally, the team aims to bridge communication gaps, facilitate community engagement, research, and establish a structure for sharing and documenting best practices on public health emergencies.
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Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCTA, Dr. Babagana Adam, emphasized the importance of empowering communities with critical information on public health concerns. He noted that the One Health Concept, an integrated approach to balance and optimize human, animal, and ecosystem health, requires effective risk communication and community engagement.
The FCTA’s move is a pioneering effort, making it the first among the 36 states in the federation to establish such a team. The Joint External Evaluation had previously rated FCT’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies below 50%, highlighting the need for a multi-sectoral approach. The RCCE team will be equipped to respond to any public health emergency in the FCT, with the Public Health Department providing support for their success.
Senior Health Education Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Michael Okali, emphasized that the RCCE team will ensure a unified response to emergencies and a coordinated approach to community engagement.
