Strategic Communication in Global Health Crises : Are (Trans)National Institutions Up to the Task?

Löffelholz, Martin and Xu, Yi (2025) Strategic Communication in Global Health Crises : Are (Trans)National Institutions Up to the Task? In: The Handbook of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research :. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781394180806

Abstract

The chapter examines the complexities of managing transnational health crises, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and coordination in a multifaceted institutional framework of global health institutions, national governments, and non-state actors. It highlights the fragmented nature of health crisis response, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, where global governance often clashed with national interests. Different models of risk and crisis communication are discussed in relation to their effectiveness in managing health risks and crises, with particular emphasis on the design of instructional messages, institutional messaging strategies, and the influence of contextual factors such as risk cultures and political systems. The chapter concludes by highlighting the need for further research to optimize strategic health communication and better prepare for future health emergencies.