WHO ad-hoc consultation on managing the COVID-19 infodemic

The 2019 corona virus disease (COVID-19) epidemic and response has been accompanied by a massive ‘infodemic’ – an over-abundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it, and for policy-makers to use in policy-making.

The aim of this technical consultation is to develop an infodemic response framework to guide targeted interventions to promote dissemination of reliable information about COVID-19, and reduce misinformation, rumors and myths about COVID-19. The discussion will raise awareness of the volume of information on the Internet; and will explore perceptions of segments of society and health care workers with regard to the use of qualified sources for health decision-making; but also to make recommendations that facilitate strengthening health worker capacities and institutional competencies related to digital literacy. The consultation will bring in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, public health decision-makers, medical journalists, technology and social media platforms, and civil society to address interventions and solutions.

The infodemic response framework will consist of the following pillars. Participants will discuss and propose interventions in each pillar.

• Identify evidence: Scan, review and verify evidence and information
• Simplify knowledge: Ways of interpreting and explaining the science to different audiences
• Amplify action: Reach out and listen to the concerns of audiences and provide advice for action, define best and new channels of distribution
• Quantify impact:  Describe the infodemic, measure change and impact of digital discourse; inform interventions at global, national and local levels and inform Member State engagement in a more coordinated “social dialogue”