Digital posters on country experience in COVID-19 Infodemic Management
Brief analysis of a WHO survey of COVID-19 factcheckers
Tim Nguyen and Tina Purnat, WHO
Muriel Konne, Atsu Ishizumi, Dimitri Prybylski, and Elisabeth Wilhelm, US CDC Global Immunization Division
Cameroon
Stakes of messages linked to the infodemic broadcast in the media during the first six months of COVID-19 epidemic response in Cameroon
- Mme NGO ITEM Madeleine, ESSTIC, Yaoundé Cameroun
- Dr Noudji Simon, chef unité sensibilisation au Centre de Coordination des Operations des Urgences de Santé Publiques (CCOUP), Ministère de la Santé Publique du Cameroun
Abstract:
The management of Covid-19 in Cameroon has been marked by the proliferation of countless rumours, disinformation and manipulations relayed through the media known as the infodemic. Over 2,000 alerts were recorded during the same at the Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Center (PHEOCC) at the primary or secondary level, of which four hundred and thirty-nine (439) were classified as infodemic. We analyzed the flow of infodemic information transcribed and coded and chosen according to themes conveyed by the fourteen most prominent media during the first four operational periods of the response to the pandemic. Between March and September 2020, rumours and disinformation slackened further on ten themes related to operational coordination and political management of Covid-19, compliance with barrier measures, case management, the traditional African pharmacopoeia, the management of Covid-19 cases and the educational environment. This study allowed us to observe that there is a real need to prepare the actors of the management of public health emergencies, this in view of the number of infodemics more focused on the theme of operational coordination and political management of Covid-19. Cameroonians are more inclined to local solutions in response to health emergencies, hence the decline in attendance at health facilities and the use of other methods such as the traditional African pharmacopoeia.
Canada
COVID-19 infodemic response overview for Canada
Shannon Turner, Ian Roe, Lucie Bucci, Ron White, and Craig Thompson, Canadian Public Health Association
Finland
COVID19 risk perception monitoring system in Finland
Anna-Leena Lohiniva, Katja Sibenberg, Suvi Hyökki and Jussi Sane, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, Finland
Abstract:
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) initiated a practical monitoring system to analyze COVID-19 related risk perceptions of the public. The process allows qualitative data collection and analysis in real time. The system utilizes an anthropological approach to explore the meanings of risk and the elements that steer the assessment of a risk situation. It uses a conceptual framework of subjective perception of risk, reflecting individual, societal and cultural contexts. Data sources are social media posts and emails from the public to THL. The recommendations are used to inform the risk communication efforts of THL on a bi-weekly basis. Knowledge co-creation methodology based on using multisectorial expertise is applied to the monitoring system to verify the recommendations and to discuss how to use them in the COVID-19 response by engaging various THL public health and risk communication experts in discussions.
Indonesia
Infodemic management system: lessons learned from Indonesia
Santi Indra Astuti, Masyarakat Anti Fitnah Indonesia (MAFINDO), Indonesia
Video: LINK
Mexico #1
COVID-19 infodemic response overview for Mexico
Unidad de Inteligencia Epidemiológica y Sanitaria, Ministry of Health, Mexico
Mexico #2
Moreviralthanthevirus, Youth Organization, México
Namibia
Overview of COVID-19 infodemic and health misinformation response in Namibia
Hendrina Shikalepo, Ministry of Health, Namibia
Niger
Experience of Niger in the Management of misinformation in the response to covid-19 pandemic
- Dr Ranaou Abaché: secretary general of Ministry of health
- Dr Anya Blanche, WHO/Niger Representative
- Mr. Mamidou Ill0, Director of communication
- Dr Moustapha Adamou, Director of epidemiological surveillance and response
- Mr.Hallarou Chaibou, Communication for development officer
Abstract:
As part of the management of the response to covid-19, Niger developed a plan for risk communication and community engagement. Despite the absence of a specific strategy to manage infodemy, this plan has a component on management of misinformation and rumours. A system of collection of rumours and misinformation was put in place through social listening and processing information collected with daily review and analysis by the risk communication team as well as identification of the response. A multisectoral approach was used to manage this rumours/misinformation including involvement of various stakeholders such as traditional, religious leaders, youth, security armed forces, etc. The TIC were also used to disseminate correct information.
Main lessons learned include the need to really listen to the communities and empower them, need to train of journalists in national languages to enable them to provide correct information in the languages the populations can understand
Nigeria
Nigerian infodemic management experience in COVID-19 pandemic
Yahya Disu1, Abiodun Egwuenu1, Kaduru Chijioke2, David Ajikobi3, Ukwori Ejibe4,Uche Nwagboso4, Vivian Ihekweazu5, Atinuke akande5, Chimezie Anueyiagu1, Emeka Oguamana1, Tijesu Ojumu1, Hadiza Saad1, Alalade Oyinloluwa1, Sarah Reter1, Michael Okali1, Joseph Edor6, Olayinka Umar-Farouk6, Babafunke Fagbemi7, Hanatu Bello1, Abara Erim1, Oliver Iorkase7, Usman Halilu9, Rufus Eschuchi10, Hawa Sessay11, Chika Ukenedo12, Adachioma Ihueze13, Ebere Oputa14, Yinka Faloa-Anoemuah 15, Foyeke Oyedokun-Adeagbo16, Joseph Mutah17, Chinwe Ochu1, Chikwe Ihekweazu1
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
- MS Corona
- Africa Check
- Tony Blair Institute
- Nigerian Health Watch
- Breakthrough Action Nigeria
- Centre for Communication and Social Impact
- African Field Epidemiology Network
- US Centre for Disease Control
- United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
- World Health Organization
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Georgetown University
- Dubawa
- National Agency for Control of AIDS
- USAID
- Federal Ministry of Information
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic response in Nigeria witnessed a significant level of misinformation with a negative impact on the outbreak response. Integrated rumour management strategy consisting of web-based and community-based approaches was adopted to address misinformation by a dedicated multidisciplinary team appointed for this purpose and using developed rumour management protocol.
Data was collected, fact-checked and debunked daily from the helpline, online media, social media, weekly opinion polls, perception survey and reports from community-based networks. The collated data are triangulated and analyzed weekly with feedback incorporated to inform messaging, response strategies and policies.
A survivors’ network to fight stigma was established, healthworkers, religious and traditional leaders engaged as trusted sources of information. Media reporters/editors were trained on factual reporting and civil society organizations engaged to improve risk perception.
Mistrust for government, stigma and low risk perception remain major challenges. We recommend that countries should emphasize a whole-of-society approach for infodemic response.
Philippines
COVID-19 infodemic response overview for the Philippines
B. Samonte, Dominic Maddumba, Mhay Fancubit, Julius Sabile, Health Promotion Bureau, Department of Health, Philippines
Sweden and Skåne
COVID-19 infodemic response overview for Sweden and Skåne
Katarina Carlzén, Director Partnerskap Skåne, Unit for Integration, Skåne County Administrative Board, Sweden
Abstract:
Early in the pandemic in Sweden it became evident that official information on COVID-19 distributed through mainstream media escaped parts of the population with non-Swedish background. An expert panel was set up with a national assignment to develop and produce short films with information conveyed by Civic and Health Communicators. An immediate response and national collaboration was possible due to an existing implemented strategy for health equity, a nationwide network of health communicators covering 28 languages, and technical proficiency already in place. In a short period 13 thematic films were produced in 11 languages, and nationally distributed through social media, migrant networks, NGOs and civil society organizations, as well as governmental organizations. The films address infection control, but also social consequences of the pandemic. Presently more films are being produced, adding languages and covering topics that urgently need to be addressed. The mission has been evaluated by Lund university.
South Africa
COVID-19 infodemic response overview for South Africa
Sinenhlanhla Jimoh, Ayanda Holo, Lesego Sibilanga, Nileen Gale and Dr Natalie Mayet, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service