#WHA79 LIVE: Addressing Health Mis- and Dis-Information: Protecting Scientific Integrity

Why It Matters

Misinformation weakens public health responses and vaccine uptake, so embedding trust-building, infodemic management and cross‑sector coordination into health systems is essential to preserve lives and maintain effective emergency preparedness.

Summary

WHO convened a roundtable at WHA79 to tackle health misinformation and disinformation, stressing that false information—intentional or not—undermines trust in science, health systems and public institutions. Speakers highlighted that trust must be treated as a strategic public asset, built continuously at community level, not only during crises. Thailand shared practical lessons: integrate infodemic management into preparedness, strengthen social listening and behavioral insights, and create multisectoral coordination across government, media, tech platforms and civil society. Panelists emphasized that responses must be timely, data-driven and community‑centred to translate evidence into action.

Original Description

#WHA79 LIVE: Addressing health mis- and dis-information: protecting scientific integrity