Real-Time Tracking of COVID-19 Rumors Using Community-Based Methods in Côte d’Ivoire

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Breakthrough ACTION developed a process and technology for systematically collecting, analyzing, and addressing COVID-19 rumors in real-time in Côte d’Ivoire. Rumors were submitted through community-based contributors and collected from callers to the national hotlines and then processed on a cloud-hosted database.

Source: Real-Time Tracking of COVID-19 Rumors Using Community-Based Methods in Côte d’Ivoire

    Views 844

    Nudges, vaccination psychology and messaging

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    The Washington Post conducted research which showed that using various text messages increased vaccine uptake. The same strategy could be used by state health departments to encourage teenagers and adults to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Source: Nudges, vaccination psychology and messaging

      Views 520

      Communicating about COVID-19 Vaccines: A Technical Brief

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      As nations around the globe are rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, countries and localities are developing risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies and planning campaigns to promote vaccine uptake and acceptance. To assist those efforts, this technical brief provides an overview of the following:

      • Steps in developing an RCCE strategy
      • Additional considerations for vaccine communication
      • Ways to manage misinformation and rumors

      Source: Communicating about COVID-19 Vaccines: A Technical Brief

        Views 684

        Infodemics and Infodemiology: A Short History, a Long Future

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        This paper describes the characteristics of an infodemic, which combines an inordinately high volume of information (leading to problems relating to locating the information, storage capacity, ensuring quality, visibility and validity) and rapid output (making it hard to assess its value, manage the gatekeeping process, apply results, track its history, and leading to a waste of effort).

        This is bound up with the collateral growth of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation. Solutions to the problems posed by an infodemic will be sought in improved technology and changed social and regulatory frameworks.

        One solution could be a new trusted top-level domain for health information. The World Health Organization has so far made two unsuccessful attempts to create such a domain, but it is suggested this could be attempted again, in the light of the COVID-19 infodemic experience. The vital role of reliable information in public health should also be explicitly recognized in the Sustainable Development Goals, with explicit targets. All countries should develop knowledge preparedness plans for future emergencies.

        Source: Infodemics and Infodemiology: A Short History, a Long Future

          Views 890

          Managing Misinformation in a Humanitarian Context

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          Internews first developed rumor tracking methodology in 2014 in Liberia, in order to address the deadly Ebola outbreak. Since then, they have implemented rumor tracking as a way to address misinformation during humanitarian crises in numerous countries and contexts, reaching hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries.

          The rumor tracking methodology includes three parts: Context, Case Studies, and a How To Guide.

          Source: Managing Misinformation in a Humanitarian Context

            Views 523

            Go Viral!

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            GO VIRAL! is a 5-minute game that helps protect the public against COVID-19 misinformation.

            The players learn about some of the most common strategies used to spread false and misleading information about the virus. Understanding these tricks allows the public to resist them the next time they come across them online.

            Source: Go Viral!

              Views 860

              Overcoming COVID Myths and Fears in Malawi

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              This article describes the effects of a UN-supported system of emergency care centers to care for COVID-19 patients in Malawi, a country where many do not receive proper medical care due to their distance from medical facilities.

              Centers were established at several rural hospitals across Malawi’s 28 districts, bringing COVID-19 healthcare closer to rural people who constitute 80 per cent of the population.

              The UN also equipped 1,800 health workers with COVID-19 training and personal protective equipment (PPE). It has been regularly reaching over 14 million people with messages encouraging prevention and access to treatment for those who do not feel well. A network of volunteers from over 300 community-based organisations – together with community radio stations, community leaders, a toll free line, and mobile phone messages sent through a dedicated platform – are used to communicate with people in remote parts of Malawi about the dangers of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination.

              Source: Overcoming COVID Myths and Fears in Malawi

                Views 637

                Fighting Misinformation in the Time of COVID-19, One Click at a Time

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                To try to control the COVID-19 infodemic, WHO has teamed up with the United Kingdom Government to create and distribute content to combat the spread of misinformation through a series of communication campaigns. This was one of several initiatives to combat misinformation taken by WHO on its own and with partners since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

                Source: Fighting Misinformation in the Time of COVID-19, One Click at a Time

                  Views 501

                  Field Experience Summary: Rumour Management, Nigeria

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                  Misinformation on COVID-19 in rural Nigeria was widespread. Rumours included that only those in cities, Egyptians, the rich, or people over 40 could get sick. In addition, rumours spread that alcohol consumption could prevent COVID-19 (based on the use of alcohol hand sanitiser), or that eating raw garlic could prevent it. While some of the stories and information were in the public domain prior to ActionAid Nigeria’s intervention in these communities, the precise levels misinformation in the community were brought to light during a preliminary visit to understand the needs of the population. The rumours meant that people were not taking proper precautions to avoid contracting the virus. In each of their communities they visited ActionAid Nigeria found that there was no social distancing, markets were full and worship centres crowded.

                  In addition, ActionAid Nigeria noticed that COVID-19 awareness campaigns focused heavily on urban centres, and that radio channels and posters tended to target urban populations. Many rural communities lack network coverage, meaning they had limited access to the media campaigns ongoing. They found that in rural villages, many people were not even aware that COVID-19 existed, and that life was carrying on as normal. The objectives of ActionAid Nigeria’s programme were to raise awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and services, as well as to dispel myths.

                  To manage rumours and misinformation, ActionAid Nigeria have been running a ‘door to door’ campaign in rural communities. They have a team of 14 people in each community, including nine from their existing community team and five community facilitators.

                  Source: Field Experience Summary: Rumour Management, Nigeria

                    Views 784

                    Using Short Messages to Encourage COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors

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                    Controlling the spread of COVID-19 requires persuading the mass public to change their behavior in significant ways. Many efforts to encourage behavior change, such as public service announcements, social media posts, and billboards, involve short, persuasive appeals, yet the effectiveness of these messages is unknown. Here, we test whether short messages increase intentions to comply with public health guidelines.

                    Source: Using Short Messages to Encourage COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors

                      Views 599