WHO Urges Nigerians to Trust Science, Warns Against Health Misinformation

In a forceful call to action during World Health Day 2026 celebrations in Abuja, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigerians to prioritize scientifically verified health information amid growing concerns about the proliferation of medical misinformation across the country.

Pavel Ursu, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, delivered this crucial message during a health walk organized to commemorate the annual observance, which falls on April 7 to mark WHO’s founding in 1948. This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” underscores the vital importance of evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

“Many recorded global achievements in disease control and life-saving interventions are rooted in science and its practical application in healthcare delivery,” Ursu explained. “Simple activities such as regular physical exercise, including walking, have been scientifically proven to reduce health risks and save lives.”

The WHO representative expressed serious concern about the spread of health misinformation, which he warned could reverse hard-won progress in key public health areas including immunization, maternal and child health, and disease prevention efforts. He pointed to the proliferation of unvetted information sources, particularly social media influencers, that have made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between factual health guidance and misleading claims.

Ursu emphasized that improving health literacy at the community level is essential for public health advancement. “Informed citizens are better positioned to make decisions that protect their wellbeing,” he noted, adding that sustained investment in public health communication strategies is vital, including the use of local languages and culturally relevant messaging to counter misinformation and build trust in scientific recommendations.

The WHO’s concerns were echoed by Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Shoretire highlighted the particular dangers of unverified health claims circulating on digital platforms, which can lead to poor health choices and resistance to proven medical interventions among the public.

“The spread of unverified health claims, particularly on digital platforms, poses significant risks,” Shoretire warned. He called for heightened scrutiny of health information before dissemination and urged health communication professionals to maintain rigorous standards of accuracy.

Both officials stressed that progress in Nigeria’s health sector is fundamentally dependent on evidence-based interventions and the public’s trust in scientific guidance. They advocated for stronger research systems and data-driven decision-making processes to enhance the credibility of health information and improve service delivery outcomes.

The growing challenge of health misinformation comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s public health system, which continues to grapple with significant challenges including infectious disease outbreaks, high maternal mortality rates, and limited healthcare access in rural areas. Experts note that misinformation can exacerbate these problems by creating resistance to proven interventions like vaccines and maternal health services.

Health communication specialists have observed that Nigeria’s diverse population and complex media landscape make the country particularly vulnerable to the spread of health misinformation. The high penetration of mobile phones and increasing social media usage create fertile ground for unverified health claims to reach millions of Nigerians rapidly.

The officials called for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, development organizations, community leaders, and media outlets to ensure accurate health information reaches populations at all levels, particularly those in remote areas who may have limited access to reliable information sources.

Ursu and Shoretire emphasized that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and behavior regarding health matters. They urged stronger partnerships between health authorities and media organizations to promote responsible reporting and dissemination of evidence-based health information.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its health systems, the WHO’s call for science-based approaches and resistance to misinformation represents a critical component of the country’s broader public health strategy and its commitment to improving health outcomes nationwide.