DECEMBER 2021 - Efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 rely on key behaviour such as handwashing, physical distancing and the use of masks, among others. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) programmes can reinforce these behaviours, but to be effective, these strategies should be evidence-based.

The Community Rapid Assessment (CRA) was designed to strengthen this evidence base by gathering rapid time-series data to examine protective practices, coping strategies, and emerging needs in relation to COVID-19.

The UNICEF Evaluation Office has published a report in December 2020 with early results from the CRA on COVID-19 in ESAR titled Behavioral Findings and Insights from Kenya, Madagascar and South Sudan. This round one report provides preliminary recommendations for adjusting current RCCE strategies and demonstrated the value of deploying rapid analytic systems for emergencies like COVID-19.

The ESAR Community Rapid Assessment (CRA) end line report from eight countries is now available. Selected findings cover risk perception, protective behaviours and barriers to adoption, vaccine attitudes, coping mechanisms and child-focused concerns, and trust as well as preferred communication channels. Key takeaways and observations from implementing the CRA are also explored.