WHO ad-hoc consultation on managing the COVID-19 infodemic

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic and the response has been accompanied by a massive ‘infodemic’ - an over-abundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it. Due to the high demand for timely and trustworthy information about COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established the Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN) that unites technical and social media teams working closely to disseminate and amplify the evidence-based information about COVID-19 and to track and respond to misinformation, myths, and rumors.

The aim of this technical consultation is to develop an infodemic response framework to guide targeted interventions to promote the dissemination of reliable information about COVID-19 and reduce misinformation, rumors, and myths about COVID-19. The discussion will raise awareness of the volume of information on the Internet; and will explore perceptions of segments of society and health care workers with regard to the use of qualified sources for health decision-making, but also make recommendations that facilitate strengthening health worker capacities and institutional competencies related to digital literacy. The consultation will bring in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, public health decision-makers, medical journalists, technology and social media platforms, and civil society to address interventions and solutions.