Sierra Leonean Patrick Lansana was recently elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network during a significant workshop held in Abuja, Nigeria. This key event, which saw the gathering of public health communication professionals from across the sub-region, was meticulously organized by the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC). At the same gathering, Bissau-Guinean Da Silva Estevão was elected President, showing the collaborative spirit of the network. Further strengthening the leadership, Paul Alle Kouadio of Côte d’Ivoire became General Secretary, bringing his expertise to the forefront of regional coordination. Kpogbeme Pricile of Benin secured the position of First Assistant Secretary, and Hannatu Bello of Nigeria was elected Second Assistant Secretary, completing the newly formed executive team.
Network's Mission and Structure
The ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network unites risk communication professionals from ECOWAS member states, operating within the established framework of the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC). Its designated and key role is to coordinate public health communication across the entire West African region, fostering a unified approach to health messaging. Beyond coordination, the network also aims to build trust and resilience within local communities, recognizing these as fundamental pillars of effective public health. A critical function involves proactively managing health misinformation and disinformation during disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches the populace. Patrick Lansana was unanimously elected by his professional colleagues to serve in his new capacity, a testament to his recognized contributions and leadership in the field.
Lansana's Expertise and Contributions
Patrick Lansana serves with distinction as the Programme Manager for the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar at Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA). In this capacity, Lansana has been instrumental in the development and advancement of Sierra Leone’s Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management (BIIM) System. This innovative system plays a key role in understanding public perceptions, tracking behavioral trends, and effectively combating misinformation, particularly during critical health crises. Lansana's dedicated work at the NPHA focuses on ensuring strong and effective communication strategies are in place to inform and engage communities across Sierra Leone, thereby fostering public trust in vital health initiatives and interventions. His contributions have been central to strengthening the country's public health communication infrastructure, making it more responsive and resilient.
Workshop Context and Objectives
The Abuja workshop, a three-day regional capacity-building event on Risk Communication and Community Engagement, aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise among participants on current and pressing public health issues. A particular focus of the full discussions was the ongoing Ebola outbreak in East Africa, allowing participants to learn from current challenges and adapt strategies. The event provided an invaluable platform for professionals to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies related to risk communication and community engagement in the context of such complex public health emergencies. This collaborative environment is essential for developing harmonized approaches to health communication across the ECOWAS region.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Patrick Lansana's election occurred during a three-day regional capacity-building workshop on Risk Communication and Community Engagement, an event specifically designed to bring together professionals to enhance their skills in public health communication. This recognition of his leadership and expertise notes the growing importance of strategic communication in public health. His new role is expected to further strengthen regional efforts in managing health crises and building community resilience. Additionally, The Calabash Newspaper, which was established in 2017, continues to operate in Sierra Leone. It serves as a vital local media outlet, providing news and critical information to its readership, complementing the broader public health communication efforts within the nation.