Regulators as communicators: strengthening regulatory communication for public health

14 January 2026

Transparent, expert and timely communication is integral to the public health mission of regulatory authorities. It is key to maintaining trust in the regulatory system and essential to safeguarding public health.

However, major shifts in the health communication landscape create an increasingly difficult environment for regulators to effectively communicate with the public. Media consumption patterns are changing rapidly, and trust in public institutions and experts is declining. People increasingly turn to non-traditional sources—such as friends, family, and social media influencers—for health information. These trends vary significantly across generations, and the spread of misinformation further complicates the situation.

At a dedicated session on the role of regulators as communicators during the recent annual summit and plenary meeting of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) in Amsterdam, regulators from around the world acknowledged that these shared challenges demand a bold, innovative, and collaborative response. To remain relevant and trusted, regulators must embrace innovation in their communication strategies and adapt to the evolving needs of their audiences.

ICMRA is uniquely positioned to lead this global effort. Summit participants agreed that the Coalition should initiate and sustain a global dialogue on regulatory communication, fostering coordination, shared learning and innovation. By promoting best practices and ensuring coherence and consistency in messaging, ICMRA can help rebuild trust in health institutions and systems worldwide.

Regulators must be known, understood and trusted by those whose health they protect. This requires timely, clear and accurate information—delivered with empathy and targeted to the needs of diverse audiences.

As apolitical, science-based institutions, medicines regulators have a vital role in translating complex scientific data into accessible language for all. Across the Coalition, members have many successful examples of public engagement that support health measures and build trust.

ICMRA members will join together to strengthen global communication efforts to ensure the information they provide remains a cornerstone of public health protection in an increasingly complex world.