Health Misinformation Poses Serious Threat with Documented Real-World Harm

Health misinformation is emerging as a critical threat to public health systems, causing delayed care and unnecessarily straining resources, according to experts at the National Health Summit 2026.

“Health misinformation is no longer a fringe issue but is actively shaping public behavior,” warned Dr. Paul Maher, associate professor of psychology at the University of Limerick. He cited alarming statistics showing approximately 50 percent of mental health information circulating on social media platforms contains inaccuracies, creating “real-world consequences for how people perceive risk and treatment.”

The panel discussion highlighted how misinformation has evolved from a minor concern to a significant public health challenge affecting various healthcare initiatives nationwide.

David Robert Grimes, assistant professor of biostatistics at Trinity College Dublin, urged stakeholders to reconsider terminology when discussing anti-vaccine advocates. “They are deniers,” he stated firmly, rejecting the more benign label of “skeptics” that might inadvertently legitimize their positions.

Grimes explained that health misinformation often stems from ideological positions rather than genuine inquiry, with information deliberately distorted to support predetermined viewpoints. “Conspiracy thinking thrives on black-and-white thinking – good versus bad – which is comforting for many people,” he noted.

The consequences of widespread misinformation are becoming increasingly measurable across public health programs. Sinead Tuite, vaccines business lead at MSD Ireland, pointed to the concerning decline in HPV vaccination rates as a direct result of misinformation campaigns.

“Even at a simple level, the impact can be a delay in making a decision or proactively not deciding,” Tuite explained. “It’s estimated that 90 women in Ireland die every year from cervical cancer, with the government aiming to eliminate it by 2040. For that to happen, we need a vaccination coverage rate of 90 percent. We’re not at that, and it’s declining.”

The ripple effects extend beyond individual health outcomes, affecting healthcare systems more broadly. Declining vaccination rates lead to preventable illnesses requiring hospitalization, occupying beds that could otherwise be available for other patients, according to Grimes. This creates pressure points throughout the healthcare ecosystem that could be avoided with effective preventative measures.

The panel agreed that traditional approaches to countering misinformation need reconsideration. Dr. Maher emphasized the importance of understanding psychological factors driving public hesitancy and fears. Rather than simply rebutting false claims—which can sometimes reinforce them—he advocated for proactive, positive messaging that addresses underlying concerns.

Access to reliable information remains uneven across socioeconomic divides, compounding the challenge. “Trust remains highest in healthcare professionals,” Tuite observed, “but disadvantaged communities often have less time with medical professionals, which means they have less access to trusted advice and information.” This disparity creates vulnerability to misinformation among already marginalized populations.

The economic argument for tackling misinformation more aggressively was highlighted by Grimes as a potential way to gain broader support for public health initiatives. “There is a fiscal benefit to prevention,” he asserted. “We need to show the cost of not investing in public information: right down to the bottom line.”

The discussion underscores a growing recognition among healthcare professionals that misinformation represents not just a communications challenge but a substantial public health threat requiring coordinated, strategic responses across multiple sectors.

As digital platforms continue to facilitate the rapid spread of health-related content, the experts suggested that developing media literacy, ensuring equitable access to healthcare professionals, and creating compelling economic arguments for prevention will be essential components of any effective strategy to combat the growing influence of health misinformation.