By: Joy Odor
It has been observed that the increased access of information on COVID-19 on social media, websites and mainstream media in Nigeria has led to proliferation of information, with the consequence that it has enabled the spread of misinformation and fake news.
The evolving nature of information about the virus has created a vacuum that is being filled with many unknowns, as a result leaving people vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), Ms. Vivianne Ihekweazu made this known to newsmen while debunking rumours on the myth that malaria and COVID-19 are the same.
Other rumours that have been debunked include the potential for COVID-19 reinfection, drinking of alcohol to prevent COVID-19 and wearing of gloves to protect against COVID-
19.
“Through a project supported by Meedan and launched in June 2020, Nigeria Health Watch counters
misinformation and fake news about COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“Nigeria Health Watch leverages on
Meedan’s team of public health experts who fact-check health rumours, responding and debunking
them.
“Nigeria Health Watch uses social and traditional media to disseminate the debunked misinformation
in an engaging and informative approach.
“This is done by producing multimedia messages to reach different target audiences and especially communities at the grassroots.
“The platform that Nigeria Health Watch provides is important because it provides feedback for the rumours that are circulating around COVID-19.
“Meedan’s experts have debunked several common rumours, and pieces of misinformation on COVID-19.
“This includes the myth that malaria and COVID-19 are the same.
“This is particularly important as malaria cases peak at this period in Nigeria and both diseases have similar symptoms but have different modes of transmission and a misdiagnosis could have serious repercussions, harming people’s lives.
“Through Meedan’s public health experts, Nigeria Health Watch is filling the misinformation gap in
Nigeria by debunking COVID-19 rumours in a timely manner” she said.
Accordingt to her, for Nigerians to stay safe and protect themselves from COVID-19, they need to be accurately informed.
“Nigeria Health Watch uses informed advocacy and communication to influence health policy and
seek better health and access to healthcare in Nigeria.
“We seek to amplify some of the great work happening in the health sector, challenge the bad, and create a space for positive ideas and action.
“Through its various platforms, Nigeria Health Watch is a trusted source that provides informed
commentary and in-depth analysis of health issues in Nigeria, always in good conscience.
“Medan is a technology not-for-profit that builds software and designs human-powered initiatives
for newsrooms, NGOs and academic institutions.
“The Digital Health Lab is our initiative that focuses on improving the quality and equity of online health information.
“We are researching, designing and testing a digital response framework for addressing health misinformation. Learn more at meedan.com and health” she stressed.
