Sustained government engagement improves subsequent pandemic risk-reporting in conflict zones

Abstract

Citizen information sharing is crucial to a government's ability to respond to an outbreak of a pandemic disease such as COVID-19. In conflict zones, however, citizens and local leaders often lack trust in state institutions and are unwilling to cooperate, risking costly delays and information gaps. We report results from a randomized experiment in the Philippines regarding government efforts to provide services and build trust with rural communities in a conflict-affected region. We find that the outreach program increased by 20% the probability that local leaders provide time-sensitive risk information critical to the regional Covid Task Force. The effect is driven by leaders who at baseline were skeptical about government capacity and fairness, as well as neutral or positive attitudes towards rebels. These findings highlight the important role that government efforts to build connections with conflict-impacted communities can play in determining public health outcomes during national emergencies.

Cite

@article{haim2021sustained,
title={Sustained government engagement improves subsequent pandemic risk reporting in conflict zones},
author={Haim, Dotan and Ravanilla, Nico and Sexton, Renard},
journal={American Political Science Review},
volume={115},
number={2},
pages={717--724},
year={2021},
publisher={Cambridge University Press}
}