COMBATTING HEALTH MISINFORMATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE.

In a world where health advice ranges from ancient remedies to ‘just trust me, bro’ posts, Dr. Erica Ntiamoah Mensah stands at the forefront, challenging misconceptions with dedication and insight. Amid the wild health claims that flood social media, she works tirelessly to bring real knowledge to the public. Inspired by her father, a healthcare legend in his own right, she’s on a mission to turn the tide of misinformation—one myth-busting fact at a time.

In today’s world, where information can be shared with a single click, health misinformation has emerged as a major concern globally. Social media allows unchecked information to permeate all areas of society, resulting in the rapid spread of misleading health ‘remedies’ among the public. Everyone knows that one family member in the group chat—the ‘forwarding warrior’—who eagerly shares the latest ‘health breakthroughs’ without checking their authenticity.

This is the daily reality for medical practitioners like Dr Erica Ntiamoah Mensah. As one of Ghana’s youngest doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Mensah understands firsthand the impact of these misconceptions on public health. Her family has a strong legacy in healthcare, with a father who encouraged her from a young age to pursue a medical career. In an interview with Vice Versa Media Ghana, she discusses the challenges of combating misinformation and misconceptions while delivering authentic, science-backed health information.

A Legacy of Care

For Dr Mensah, medicine was more than a career; it was a calling shaped by her upbringing. With a father devoted to the field, she had a clear vision from an early age. ‘My inspiration to be a doctor comes from nature and nurture,’ she reflects. ‘I always wanted to be a doctor, even before setting foot in medical school. My father’s dedication to his work inspired me profoundly. Watching him practice and hearing his passion for the profession drove me toward this path.’

Her father, Dr Eric Ntiamoah Mensah, is a familiar figure in Ghana, known for his health-focused television programme and widely respected for his dedication to women’s health issues countrywide. Her journey has been fueled by a deep desire to help others. She speaks passionately about her dream to alleviate illnesses and improve health outcomes, a drive rooted in watching her father’s commitment to healthcare.

Although she jokingly dismisses any ‘Ben Carson story,’ her dedication to the medical field is unmistakable. ‘Before I started practising, I had my misconceptions,’ she admits. ‘But on the ground, I quickly saw the sheer volume of misinformation, some of it truly mind-boggling. Recognizing that not everyone has a healthcare background has helped me approach people with empathy, but misinformation has made our work significantly tougher.’

From viral weight-loss methods to dangerous homemade health remedies, she has seen it all. The prevalence of misleading health information has become a heavy burden for medical professionals. And while social media has connected the world more, it has also become a breeding ground for misconceptions. ‘People are misled by posts that could harm them, but they believe it because it is easy to access and understand.’

Guided by seasoned professionals, Dr Mensah has crafted a balanced approach to addressing health misconceptions. Her father stands out as her primary mentor in health education. ‘He was teaching me about health long before I fully grasped its meaning. His example, along with the insights of my lecturers and mentors, has deeply shaped my perspective on health communication.’

For Dr. Mensah, the input from these professionals has been invaluable. She acknowledges that while they laid the groundwork for countering misinformation, fresh strategies are essential for today’s digital landscape. ‘Older professionals created the blueprint, but today, we must adapt our strategies.’

In a country as culturally rich as Ghana, she sees the intersection between tradition and modern healthcare. ‘Our culture is deeply rooted. Working in women’s health, I often encounter traditional beliefs surrounding childbirth and infant care, even among educated people.’ One example she shares involves mothers with jaundiced newborns who refuse medical treatment due to cultural beliefs.

‘A mother will often tell me her mother or grandmother advised her to breastfeed and leave the baby in the sun, believing no further medical help is necessary,’ Dr Mensah recounts. She has learned to approach these situations with understanding, treating patients like friends and gently encouraging them to see the value of professional medical care.

Social Media for Change

For her, social media has transformed how health information can be shared. ‘Social media brings you closer to people. Posting something can feel as personal as speaking to someone in the same room. It gives us a platform to tackle common health misconceptions and disseminate accurate information.’

Social media is a blessing and a curse. It allows the spread of misinformation but also offers an effective avenue for healthcare professionals to reach and educate the public. Dr Mensah uses her platform to correct misconceptions, even if it means addressing unfounded health claims indirectly. She is keenly aware of her responsibility as a healthcare provider on social media, emphasizing that ‘we must ensure that what we put out is credible.’

Interestingly, Dr Mensah has found that younger generations can be particularly stubborn in clinging to certain misconceptions, though they are generally easier to inform than older individuals. ‘There are young people deeply rooted in these false beliefs, while some older people are quite open-minded.’

Looking to the future, Dr Mensah sees a mixed blessing in the increasing accessibility of medical information. While more people being ‘armed with medical knowledge’ could aid health literacy, it could also make some individuals more resistant to seeking proper medical advice. ‘People may feel they know enough and try to manage health issues on their own, which could be dangerous,’ she cautions.

However, she believes that if healthcare professionals harness the power of social media wisely, they can counteract misinformation effectively. ‘Social media has provided an avenue to fight misinformation, but it is up to us to ensure what we share is reliable and true,’ she emphasizes. ‘These platforms are where misinformation starts, but they can also be where it ends if we proactively share the correct information.’

She encourages her fellow medical practitioners to use social media platforms to educate and inform. While not all doctors may feel comfortable with social media, she believes those who do should take advantage of the opportunity. ‘If you are active on social media, use it to educate. Reach out to people and make health information accessible,’ she urges.

Dr Erica Ntiamoah Mensah is deeply dedicated to combating health misinformation, viewing it as a professional obligation and a personal mission. As one of the youngest doctors in her field, she embodies a new generation of healthcare providers working diligently to eliminate the confusion created by misinformation. Through empathy, expertise, and technology, she strives to ensure that the public receives accurate and reliable information.

Edited by Pius Okore.