Coordinating Public Health Emergencies: The Role of Internal Communication and Inter-Agency Collaboration during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge to public health systems, requiring rapid coordination among multiple institutions under conditions of uncertainty and operational pressure. This study examines the role of internal communication and inter-agency collaboration in coordinating public health emergency responses during the COVID-19 crisis. Using a mixed-methods research design, quantitative survey data and qualitative insights from public sector officials were analyzed to assess how communication practices and collaborative mechanisms influenced operational coordination efficiency. The results reveal that effective internal communication particularly clarity, timeliness, and channel reliability was a strong predictor of coordinated action, while inter-agency collaboration significantly enhanced response consistency and adaptability. Regression and interaction analyses further demonstrate a synergistic effect, showing that optimal coordination outcomes emerged when strong communication systems were complemented by intensive cross-agency collaboration. Phase-wise analysis highlights institutional learning over time, with coordination efficiency improving from the initial outbreak to the vaccination and recovery stages. The study concludes that strengthening integrated communication and collaboration frameworks is essential for resilient and effective governance in future public health emergencies and complex crisis situations.