Collaborative Efforts Combat Health Misinformation in Pacific Region

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant improvements in how Pacific Island nations manage health misinformation, according to health officials and experts working across the region. These efforts have become increasingly important as social media and artificial intelligence continue to amplify the spread of false information.

In a digital landscape where health advice is just a click away, the consequences of misinformation can be severe. Individuals may delay seeking proper medical attention, follow ineffective or potentially harmful treatments, or lose trust in legitimate health institutions.

“During the pandemic, we had to suddenly change our response, we had to be on the top of our game, ensuring that we provide clear, frequent, and credible information,” said Dr. Rachel Devi, Head of the Family Health Unit in the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

A November 2023 needs assessment conducted across 17 Pacific island countries identified rumor and misinformation management as a top priority for 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded by focusing on building capacity, particularly in social listening – analyzing conversations and narratives to understand public concerns and perceptions.

The WHO has developed various tools and resources to combat misinformation, including an OpenWHO channel with specialized courses addressing health misinformation. These resources have been adapted to fit the Pacific context, recognizing the unique challenges faced by island nations.

In May, the WHO organized a workshop in Fiji that brought together 30 health and communication professionals to enhance their skills in detecting, analyzing, and addressing misinformation. A similar workshop held in Tonga in August engaged professionals from various sectors to strengthen nationwide capacity.

Workshop participants learned critical skills including monitoring for online rumors, analyzing social insights, and applying fact-checking techniques. Both events produced action plans for 2025 while identifying areas requiring further attention, such as enhancing fact-checking capabilities and revitalizing national working groups.

The issue of misinformation extends beyond health concerns. In Brisbane, Australia, United Nations agencies, governmental bodies, researchers, and partners recently gathered for the first Disinfo Pacific Regional Conference on Information Integrity. Supported by the European Union and organized by the United Nations Information Centre for the Pacific and Griffith University, the two-day conference addressed misinformation in public health, climate change, democracy, and elections.

During these discussions, WHO representatives collaborated with experts and Pacific ministries of health to explore strategies for addressing false information and strengthening community trust in health authorities. Participants agreed that a well-trained workforce and cross-sector partnerships are essential for effectively combating misinformation.

“Addressing misinformation is not only a Ministry of Health affair, but it also needs a coordinated response across various sectors,” emphasized Falau Hola Mafi, Risk Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator at Tonga’s Ministry of Health.

Mafi presented Tonga’s recently launched Multi-Hazard Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategy, the first comprehensive guide for effectively communicating risks, engaging communities, and combating misinformation during health emergencies and natural disasters in the Pacific. Developed with WHO support and informed by COVID-19 lessons, the strategy emphasizes timely, clear communication to maintain public trust and protect communities.

The strategy represents a significant step forward in the region’s approach to managing information during crises. By bringing together multiple stakeholders, including national disaster management offices and media organizations, Pacific nations are building more resilient systems to counter misinformation.

As digital connectivity continues to expand across the Pacific, the challenge of maintaining information integrity grows more complex. The WHO’s ongoing efforts to foster multisectoral collaboration support Pacific Island countries in addressing the challenges posed by fake news and information pollution.

For residents across the Pacific, access to accurate and timely information remains crucial for making informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. The region’s collaborative approach demonstrates a growing recognition that in the fight against misinformation, unity and cooperation across sectors are essential.