Impact Case Study: Radio as a source of public health information during COVID-19

It is essential that internally displaced persons (IDPs) in crisis-affected contexts receive rapid, relevant and reliable information. However, this was far from the reality during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rumours and misinformation were circulating, and little attention was paid to the information needs of IDPs and refugees. This study used a community participatory approach to understand how radio, as a trusted source of information in crisis contexts, could be better used to disseminate accurate public health messages to IDPs and host communities in Burkina Faso.

Study findings resulted in 37 radio stations across Burkina Faso providing more accurate information that better met the needs of IDPs and host communities. They improved awareness of COVID-19 and knowledge of information sources among community stakeholders. Humanitarian responses to COVID-19 in Burkina Faso were also improved, and the study has been adapted for other countries including Mali, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

R2HC captures detailed case studies through a process that triangulates and validates evidence on uptake and impact. The case study methodology and full version of this summary case study including references are available on request. Outputs and resources from this study are available on the project page.