A influência da comunicação organizacional no enfrentamento da pandemia COVID- 19: caso do Ministério da Saúde de Moçambique (2020-2022)

Abstract

This study analyses the influence of organizational communication in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique, using the Ministry of Health (MISAU) as a case study from 2020 to 2022. The qualitative research was based on interviews with MISAU professionals, communication specialists, and citizens, using questionnaires and surveys as data collection instruments, complemented by document analysis and non-participant observation. Content analysis according to perspective of Bardin (2011) and the Sensemaking theory of organizational communication were used as the main theoretical framework. The results show that communication was crucial for institutional coordination and social mobilization in combating the pandemic. MISAU employed multiple internal and external strategies, combining digital media, press conferences, and media campaigns. However, the absence of a structured risk communication strategy and limitations regarding linguistic adequacy and community inclusion were observed. Despite the weaknesses, communication contributed significantly to changing preventive behaviors, especially in increasing hand hygiene and the use of masks. The study concludes that the MISAU's communication experience offers important lessons for strengthening institutional communication in future health crises.