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Risk communication is often among the earliest and most critical public health interventions during respiratory pathogen emergencies. A central aim of effective risk communication is to foster and sustain public trust, which plays a critical role in shaping adherence to public health guidance, uptake of protective behaviours, and improving overall health outcomes.

This Public Health Ontario (PHO) Rounds presents findings from a recent evidence review examining strategies to foster trust in public health messages and messengers through risk communication during respiratory pathogen emergencies. Drawing on evidence from past respiratory outbreaks, the session will explore key factors that influence trust and highlight characteristics of effective risk communication messages. It will also provide practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be considered to build or maintain trust during respiratory pathogen emergencies. Participants will gain actionable insights to strengthen risk communication practices across emergency preparedness and response, supporting more effective public health action in future emergencies.

Intended Audience:
Public health professionals, communications specialists, and decision-makers involved in public health emergency preparedness and response. Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) /Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs), public health leadership.

By the end of this event, participants will be able to:

• Describe the role of risk communication as a core public health intervention during respiratory pathogen emergencies, with a particular emphasis on trust building.
• Summarize evidence-informed strategies for fostering trust in public health messages and messengers through risk communication during respiratory pathogen emergencies.
• Identify promising practices for implementing risk communication concepts and principles during emergency preparedness and response.

Taheera Walji, MPH is a Senior Program Specialist at Public Health Ontario, bringing over a decade of experience across several areas of public health. In her current role, she works with public health partners to provide scientific and technical advice to strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies. Her expertise is informed by local and international experience, including leading monitoring and evaluation of disaster risk reduction initiatives in India and Central Asia. Taheera is committed to strengthening workforce preparedness and centring health equity in emergency response. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Grand Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Grand Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact events@oahpp.ca

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or events@oahpp.ca.