Media and online platforms meeting on misinformation related to noncommunicable diseases and risk factors: 5 February 2021, online event
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World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe
Abstract
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ii, 27 p.
Disinformation and so-called fake news are a growing concern, as more and more individuals obtain their information from digital venues such as search engines or social media platforms. While generally increased access to a wider range of information on health issues can be seen as positive, the spread of misinformation – or more acutely, of disinformation – is problematic, as inaccurate information can lead to consequences such as harmful lifestyle or dietary choices, self-medication, the abandonment of medical treatment or incorrect diagnoses. In February 2021, WHO convened a meeting with media stakeholders in an effort to collect more information on misinformation concerning NCDs and to develop a catalogue of policy initiatives, building on the first NCD misinformation meeting that was held in February 2020 with civil society representatives. A third and final meeting was held with WHO European Region Member States. The expected outcome of these meetings is the development of a new toolkit of policy recommendations that can be used by Member States and other stakeholders to tackle the negative impacts of NCD misinformation.
Disinformation and so-called fake news are a growing concern, as more and more individuals obtain their information from digital venues such as search engines or social media platforms. While generally increased access to a wider range of information on health issues can be seen as positive, the spread of misinformation – or more acutely, of disinformation – is problematic, as inaccurate information can lead to consequences such as harmful lifestyle or dietary choices, self-medication, the abandonment of medical treatment or incorrect diagnoses. In February 2021, WHO convened a meeting with media stakeholders in an effort to collect more information on misinformation concerning NCDs and to develop a catalogue of policy initiatives, building on the first NCD misinformation meeting that was held in February 2020 with civil society representatives. A third and final meeting was held with WHO European Region Member States. The expected outcome of these meetings is the development of a new toolkit of policy recommendations that can be used by Member States and other stakeholders to tackle the negative impacts of NCD misinformation.