may spreading misinformation undermine efforts immunize

The World Health Organization (WHO), which is at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic, is transmitting authoritative information based on science while also seeking to counter myths.ĭue to the high demand for timely and trustworthy information about COVID-19, WHO has established the Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN) that unites technical and social media teams working closely to track and respond to misinformation, myths and rumours and provide tailored information and evidence for action.įor instance, when the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Uganda, some communities in the country’s north believed that the virus was caused by evil spirits and performed rituals to “push the spirits back to the West.” Hate speech targeted at foreigners within the communities began to increase. Producing and disseminating facts and accurate information Tune in now to the #AIforGood webinar to ask your questions on #AI, #misinformation + #FakeNews on #COVID19ġ. Here are some examples of how the United Nations is tackling the spread of misinformation. “All this threatens to undermine the international cooperation urgently needed to deal with the impacts of this crisis.”Ī rapid response team is being formed to help share facts and science to overcome a surge of misinformation, she said.

“Fear, uncertainty, and the proliferation of fake news have the potential to weaken the national and global response to the virus, bolster nativist narratives and provide opportunities for those who may seek to exploit this moment to deepen social divisions,” said Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, who will lead the campaign. To rally forces behind this effort, the United Nations is launching a new COVID-19 Communications Response Initiative based on science, solutions and solidarity to fight misinformation. By dispelling rumours, fake news, and messages of hate and division, the United Nations is working to spread accurate information and messages of hope and solidarity.

30 April 2020 - From misinformation about the use of disinfectants to combat the coronavirus, to false claims that the virus can spread through radio waves and mobile networks, unreliable information is hurting the global effort to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

May spreading misinformation undermine efforts immunize