Managing Infodemics
By Tim Nguyen | 26 April 2021
The spread of COVID-19 around the world has been accompanied by a deluge of misinformation. At a time when reliable and scientific evidence is crucial for public health, fake news, misinformation, and rumours seem to be spreading faster than facts. Researchers like Tim Nguyen of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme have been working around the clock to counter this infodemic.
About the Expert
Tim Nguyen is the Head of the Unit for High Impact Events in the Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness Department of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). His team manages the WHO Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN), a platform to unite the work on managing disease infodemics during emergencies; and the strategic global governance of pharmaceutical interventions, including pandemic influenza and smallpox vaccines as well as influenza antivirals. In the COVID-19 pandemic response, he co-manages the “Managing Infodemic” pillar.
Here are the top three questions on Tim Nguyen’s mind at this moment:
What makes this COVID-19 infodemic so special?
What is the immediate impact of an infodemic?
What can research do better to manage the current COVID-19 infodemic and all future infodemics?
You've heard his responses, and now we'd like to hear yours. Write to us using Tim Nguyen’s questions as writing prompts and we may showcase your submission on our website! Click the link below for more information.