Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) National One Health Coordinator, Raymond Hamoonga says misinformation has potential to hinder government’s response efforts towards fighting pandemic outbreaks in the country.
Dr Hamoonga says the world is facing unprecedented challenges in managing the spread of misinformation, particularly in the context of public health.
He was speaking during a workshop in Kabwe on Rumor and Infodemic Management for Priority Zoonotic Conditions in Zambia with support from USAID through Breakthrough Action for Social Behaviour Change Project.
Dr. Hamoonga said One Health concept recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
He said Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a significant threat to human health, and Zambia is no exception.
“Diseases such as rabies, COVID 19 and anthrax require swift and accurate information management to prevent outbreaks and protect human and animal health. However, rumors, misinformation, and disinformation can hinder our response efforts and put lives at risk,” he said.
Dr Hamoonga called for enhanced surveillance and detection of zoonotic diseases.
He said there was need to develop multi sectoral messaging for priority zoonotic diseases like anthrax and rabies.
Dr Hamoonga said there is also need to develop effective communication campaigns to prevent misinformation and build capacity for rapid response and rumour management.
He highlighted how in both cases of COVID-19 and Cholera, rumours and misinformation derailed government’s intervention such as vaccination and access to safe water respectively.
Dr. Hamoonga said the goal is to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to manage rumors and infodemics related to priority zoonotic conditions, and promote a culture of fact-based reporting, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of communities.
He said there was also need to leverage technology and social media for accurate information dissemination.
And Breakthough Action for Social Behaviour Change Risk Communication and Community Engagement Programme Officer, Felix Mpundu emphasized the need to involve communities when dispelling rumours and misinformation on diseases.
This workshop brought together One Health partners from various fields including Ministries of Green Economy and Environment, Health, Fisheries and Livestock, Local Government and Rural Development.
Others were the local administration, ZANIS, NAIS among others to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in managing rumors and infodemics, and promoting accurate information on priority zoonotic conditions.