WHO global conference on communicating science during health emergencies, Geneva, Switzerland, 7–25 June 2021 (‎virtual meeting)‎: meeting report

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much science and evidence-based public health measures can affect people’s lives. Journalists, healthcare workers, religious leaders, teachers and others had to become science communicators to effectively fulfill their professional roles. At the same time, researchers were requested to communicate their results transparently and explain the underlying scientific processes. Recognizing the challenge and importance of making science accessible and understandable to all, World Health Organization (WHO) convened a global conference in June 2021 to learn from the public and over 60 experts about how to effectively communicate science during health emergencies. This report summarizes the outcomes of the conference and proposed actions for WHO and partners.