Mpox preparedness and response research: practical guide for research-practitioner teams in the WHO European Region
Other Titles
Abstract
This evidence-based toolkit was developed to strengthen public health responses to mpox outbreaks across the WHO European Region. It is designed to generate actionable evidence before initiating risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) activities, and equips research–practitioner teams with a tool for conducting rapid social science research before and during mpox outbreaks. Validated through a pilot study and community consultation, the toolkit offers an adaptable survey to support stigma-sensitive research projects to tailor RCCE-IM messaging and interventions. The toolkit enables RCCE-IM practitioners and researchers to rapidly assess behavioural drivers and barriers, build trust, counter mis- and disinformation, and improve acceptance of public health guidance. The outcome targeted by this toolkit is message acceptance, highlighting that public health guidance is offered to support informed decision-making by communities. The pilot study across three countries revealed that demographic factors alone were insufficient predictors of behaviour. Instead, identifications – including political identification, religiosity and personal values – were significantly more predictive of whether individuals would accept and act on public health recommendations. This toolkit is based on WHO’s RCCE-IM work during the mpox outbreak from 2022 and the IDEA (Internalization, Distribution, Explanation and Action) model, to understanding and improving message acceptance.
Citation
World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe (2026). Mpox preparedness and response research: practical guide for research-practitioner teams in the WHO European Region. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/384648. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
Journal
Relation
Relation
Temporal Coverage
Statement of Responsibility
Description
xv, 115 p.
Table of Contents
Version
Sponsorship
PMID
PMCID
Document number
WHO/EURO:2026-12834-52608-81497 (PDF)
ISBN
ISSN
ISMN
Identifiers
Other Identifiers
Format
Language
English