WHO Warns Misinformation Can Undermine Public Health Gains
In public health, the wrong information at the wrong time can be as dangerous as the disease itself.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that misinformation and disinformation are increasingly shaping health decisions, making trusted information critical to protecting lives.
Speaking at the 20th International Public Relations Congress in Lagos, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, said misinformation could undermine progress in areas including routine immunisation, maternal and child health, malaria prevention, nutrition and health-seeking behaviour.
Ursu said WHO is supporting Nigeria with social listening, community engagement and behavioural insights, while working with government, the media and fact-checking networks to detect rumours early and address public concerns.
He stressed that building public trust in health information should be treated as a public health priority, not merely a communication strategy.
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