DIGITAL CRISIS COMMUNICATION CASE STUDIES FROM HEALTH EMERGENCIES (SDG 3 GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING)

Abstract

The paper takes a discussion on the role of digital platforms in the communication of crises in large scale health problems and more precisely how this role relates to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The role of the social media, mobile applications, and virtual health campaigns in the information dissemination process and combating misinformation and enhancing behavioral adherence in the population is discussed by the research based on the case studies of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola epidemic outbreak in West Africa, and Zika virus epidemic in Latin America. Findings suggest that digital platforms provided speed and reach so like no other health authorities were provided with an opportunity to respond to citizens with real-time guidance and come into contact with citizens. The visual material campaigns and two-way communication campaigns were far more interesting, the open and empathetic messages were straightforwardly connected with the larger trust of the people and their following. Simultaneously, the research presents ongoing issues, such as spreading false information, privacy, or the marginalized groups with little digital access. As it has been proven, fake news tend to disseminate faster than factual messages, which negatively affect trust in health facilities. There were also regional and sectoral variations in the effectiveness of communication: in some situations, the use of digital advocacy contributed to the success of vaccination campaigns, and mental health initiatives had lower participation. The researcher comes to the conclusion that, although digital crisis communication is an essential instrument in the delivery of SDG 3, its application relies on the proactive measures to control misinformation, transparency to foster trust, local accommodations to promote inclusivity, and ethical considerations to safeguard equity, and privacy.