Republic of Korea - World Bank Group Partnership On COVID-19 Preparedness and Response - Making Government-Led Risk and Crisis Communication More Effective - Lessons Learned From Six Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic - September 2023

Jul 19, 2026

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Government-led risk and crisis communication (RCC) is a core priority for guiding effective pandemic response within a country. Weak RCC during public health emergencies such as COVID-19 can cause public confusion, fear, and distrust, which then hinder acceptance and consistent practice of risk-preventive behavior. This analysis examines five key RCC objectives across six countries (Ghana, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, and Vietnam) and identifies lessons to improve future readiness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

Abstract

Background

Importance of government-led risk and crisis communication (RCC)

Overarching goal of government RCC during PHEIC

Analysis question to ask

Methods

Countries included in the analysis

Analytical framework

Analysis

Early initiation of information dissemination

ICT use

Credible communication by public leaders

Prevention of social stigma and infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic

Participatory RCC using community engagement strategies

Conclusion

Recommendations

References

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2023 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because the World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). The case studies are products from the WBG-Korea Partnership on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (P175398) . The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Bank. The case studies are available at: [https://www.worldbank.org/en/](https://www.worldbank.org/en/)[ ](https://www.worldbank.org/en/)[country/korea/brief/korea-wbg-partnership-on-pandemic-preparedness-and-response.](country/korea/brief/korea-wbg-partnership-on-pandemic-preparedness-and-response.) [Cover design: QUO Bangkok](Cover design: QUO Bangkok) Republic of Korea – World Bank Group Partnership On COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Making Government-Led Risk and Crisis Communication More Effective – Lessons Learned From Six Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 2023 Author Myoungsoon You Professor at the Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ................................................................ 6 1 . Background ........................................................... 7 Importance of government-led risk and crisis communication (RCC) ........... 7 Overarching goal of government RCC during PHEIC ........................ 7 Analysis question to ask ................................................. 7 2 . Methods ............................................................. 8 Countries included in the analysis ......................................... 8 Analytical framework ....................................................8 3 . Analysis ............................................................. 10 1. Early initiation of information dissemination .............................. 10 2. ICT use ..............................................................11 3. Credible communication by public leaders .............................. 13 4. Prevention of social stigma and infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic .. 13 5. Participatory RCC using community engagement strategies ............... 15 4 . Conclusion ......................

FAQs

Why is government-led risk and crisis communication (RCC) critical during pandemics?

It supports directing and sustaining effective pandemic response. When RCC is ineffective, it can produce public confusion, fear, and distrust that block risk-preventive behavior.

What factors does the report identify as lessons from RCC across six countries?

It focuses on five key RCC objectives, including early initiation of information dissemination, ICT use, credible communication by public leaders, prevention of stigma/infodemics, and participatory RCC through community engagement.

How should governments improve RCC for future public health emergencies?

Governments should explore why effective RCC cannot be rapidly initiated, strengthen consistency/transparency/accountability in messaging, and prioritize deference to expert guidance from scientific and public health professionals.

Jul 19, 2026

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