MISINFORMATION & HEALTH.

Professor Bruce Mutsvairo, an expert in media and culture studies at Utrecht University, emphasizes the growing issue of misinformation, particularly within the global health sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the dangers of false information, which undermines trust in healthcare systems and endangers public health. Mutsvairo, who is also a board member of the Knowledge Centre Global Health (KCGH), believes that misinformation will only continue to escalate, posing a significant threat to both global health and democratic processes. This issue is further exacerbated by the rise of far-right parties in Europe, which often spread disinformation, destabilizing democratic processes and electoral systems. In Africa, misinformation largely stems from traditional beliefs and societal rumors. In Kenya and Uganda, for instance, false health advice circulates within villages, with claims about the dangers of clinics and misconceptions about contraceptive use, such as the false belief that they cause cancer and infertility. Conversely, in the West, misinformation often has political roots, with figures like Donald Trump perpetuating "alternative facts" and labeling credible news as "fake." This has created a widespread mistrust in authoritative sources, especially in relation to health advice. In response to this challenge, innovative initiatives have emerged in the Netherlands, such as the "Doubt Phone" and "Doctors Today" campaigns. These efforts utilize platforms like TikTok to counter misinformation, with doctors producing short, accessible videos aimed at educating the public. Despite these efforts, misinformation continues to grow in influence, especially on social media, where platforms like TikTok allow influencers to spread unchecked health advice. As medical student Sterre Broere points out, patients may trust influencers just as much as doctors, highlighting the urgent need for more effective strategies to combat misinformation. Ultimately, Mutsvairo's call for global collaboration underscores the importance of tackling misinformation on a global scale. Efforts like these can help safeguard public health and ensure that accurate, evidence-based information prevails.