11.N. Skills building seminar: How can local public health services manage infodemics and fight misinformation?
Authors:   Organised by: Portuguese Association of Public Health Doctors,   Chair persons: Duarte Vital Brito (Portugal), Debora Miranda (European Observatory)
Published: October 2021

Although misinformation has been an issue in previous public health emergencies such as black plague or spanish flu, COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its importance. Nowadays, information about health is produced so quickly that it becomes complicated to manage it efficiently. Not only scientific evidence production increased exponentially, other sources of non-validated information also emerged through websites, blogs and social media. Public health professionals must be aware of such relevant concepts, the cognitive theories that support them and what the main threats to population's health are - such as vaccine hesitancy, non compliance with public health measures and use of ineffective treatments. Due to their proximity to, and knowledge of communities, public health professionals are extremely important in infodemic management but should not neglect their online presence (particularly on social media) and the potential of partnerships with local organizations. The aim of this workshop is to provide an overview of public health services approach to infodemic management, including practical examples that can be applied by participants according to available resources.

Infodemic management can be complex to handle at first, but particular areas should always be targeted in public health strategies. Social listening is a key step to understand communities' concerns and identify sources of misinformation. It provides an efficient approach to detecting rumours and eases community engagement in the response process. As a way to prevent the spread of misinformation, communities should be “inoculated” with high-quality, engaging health information which can be co-produced with citizens to increase engagement and efficiency. On the other hand, misinformation and disinformation must be countered rapidly but carefully, through fact-checking teams and collaboration with community leaders and media platforms to ensure rapid dissemination. Capacity building and training for public health professionals in infodemic management is an emergent need, the foundations of which can be introduced in this short session.

This workshop will be held in a skills building seminar format facilitated by two alumni of the WHO infodemic management training It consists of four specific parts. First, we will provide a brief introduction on main infodemic concepts and cognitive theories, which will be applied in a brief online game called “Bad News”. Secondly, we will show how infodemic management can overlap common epidemic management, including focus in preparedness and monitoring. Then, we will showcase monitoring and social listening strategies and relevant interventions to prevent and tackle misinformation. Participants will be able to discuss examples of their own experiences or of those shared by panelists. Finally, we will provide useful links for more comprehensive training and practical tools that can be used at both local and national level.

Key messages

The overabundance of health information can be harmful. Infodemic management strategies are fundamental in dealing effectively with this public health threat. Public health services should be prepared to identify and respond to health misinformation, adapting it according to available resources and local contexts and reinforcing it through collaborations.