Community mapping in health emergencies: strengthening preparedness, response and resilience

Overview

This document provides a comprehensive toolkit for community mapping to support emergency preparedness and responses for public health emergencies as defined by the International Health Regulations (2005), including from disease outbreaks, humanitarian crises and the consequences of natural hazards. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of understanding existing local resources, capacities and structures, and leveraging them to ensure that interventions are context-specific, inclusive and sustainable. Community mapping is an adaptable approach based on available resources rooted in meaningful participation that can be embedded within ongoing activities and aligned with broader emergency coordination mechanisms. The toolkit draws on the experience of international organizations in health emergencies, demonstrating that community engagement builds trust, strengthens resilience and improves health outcomes, including community protection. By applying the outlined participatory methodologies, emergency responders and health authorities can co-design and co-deliver interventions that leave no one behind.