"This guidance is based on the latest evidence and practical experience with IM in the WHO European Region and is designed to provide stakeholders with operational support for IM preparedness, readiness and response in public health emergencies. The intended readership is mainly response authorities, stakeholders and partners in countries in the Region in both the coordination and operations, including in communities. It provides practical ways to guide IM and best practices in the technical area of RCCE. Rather than offering specific, one-size-fits-all recommendations, it offers options and approaches that may be applied in each context. The guidance applies primarily to the WHO European Region because of differences among the WHO regions in organizational, structural, cultural and other dimensions of implementation of RCCE and IM, although other regions, headquarters or other stakeholders may use, apply or adapt it." (Executive summary)