This article focuses on the need for government leaders to strengthen risk communication by employing better information exchange and cooperation among governmental departments.

Risk communication is considered to be one of the main functions of an emergency public health crisis by the World Health Organization. Effective risk communication involves interactions and exchange of information between risk assessment and risk management. This mutual communication among all stakeholders is vital to produce consistent messages that incite trust and avoid panic. Effective risk communication strengthens the authority of the government and the health sector, improves the handling of the crisis and the public’s sentiment towards the crisis, and enhances social stability. Government departments must be open and transparent in their communication about the uncertainty and contingency of risk. Healthy crisis communication can reduce or eliminate social concerns, anxiety, and negative effects on population health, social stability, and economic development.