January 2023 — From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF played a critical role in the implementation of RCCE activities across ESAR. UNICEF’s contributions included: co-leading partner coordination mechanisms at the regional and country levels, including mechanisms to bolster demand for COVID-19 vaccines; providing technical support to governments and partners in the rollout of PHSM and Back-to-School campaigns; strengthening social listening capacities via digital and social media and through community feedback platforms; generating and promoting the utilization of SBC data to inform country and regional RCCE responses; and promoting innovative approaches to transition between face-to-face community engagement and virtual, two-way communications.

To assess the contribution of UNICEF ESARO’s RCCE work and to understand ESA countries’ experience around RCCE during the COVID-19 pandemic from inception to December 2021, a lessons learnt exercise was conducted with 9 countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar). A qualitative method was used by collecting and analyzing qualitative data and conducting a literature review. To obtain a diversity of perspectives, ensure data accuracy and overcome data limitations, a combination of one-on-one online Key Informant Interviews (KII) with government and partners and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) online at CO level with SBC cadres was used for data collection. A semi-structured Interview Guide was developed with 2 pilot countries (Uganda and Rwanda) and then applied to all countries with slight variations.

This report provides 7 key lessons learned that emerged from analyzing the data collected from the KIIs and FGDs, as well as the feedback received from UNICEF SBC leads at the June 2022 Network meeting. The lessons learned have been grouped into categories: 1) those that UNICEF COs and partners should consider framing preparedness for future responses and 2) those that should be scaled up during emergency responses. Building on the main lessons learned, this report also identifies 10 recommendations to catalyze the investments made during COVID-19 to strengthen RCCE/SBC platforms, sustain innovative approaches in social and behavioural data collection and use and enhance accountability to affected communities.

To read the full report, please click here.