Communicating risk and uncertainty in relation to development and implementation of disease control policies

Scientific evidence is one of the key factors to be considered in the development of disease control policies. It is generated using investigations into cause–effect relationships, which usually produce results that are associated with a varying degree of uncertainty. Experience has shown that taking account of these uncertainties can become a formidable challenge for policy makers when devising the strategies and when communicating them to stakeholders. The situation has been further complicated by a reduction in public trust in scientific evidence. It is now recognised that this challenge cannot be managed by simply providing more information, but it is also necessary to consider the influence that variation in risk perception amongst stakeholders has on their response to and commitment towards the policies.