In an interview at New England in Freetown, Dr. Harold Thomas, a public health expert, highlighted the detrimental impact of misinformation and disinformation propagated through media and social media during the Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016. He noted that rumors and inaccurate information about the disease significantly hindered efforts to control the outbreak. For instance, some individuals believed that Ebola was a curse or divine punishment, which discouraged them from seeking essential medical treatment.
Dr. Thomas drew parallels to the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the Ebola crisis, misleading narratives about the virus’s origins, the efficacy of masks and vaccines, and the role of traditional remedies have led to confusion and obstructed public health efforts.
To combat this issue, a new project aims to equip 65 rural journalists with the skills necessary to identify and debunk misinformation. This initiative is expected to reach approximately 200,000 listeners through radio broadcasts and online platforms. The project seeks to enhance rural journalists’ capacity to report accurately on health matters, thereby increasing public awareness and understanding of scientific misinformation.Dr. Thomas emphasized that by implementing these strategies, Sierra Leone can better navigate health crises and foster a more informed public