Strengthening Infodemic Management

While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods around the world, a silent infodemic is proving to be as dangerous.

The infodemic, defined by the World Health Assembly as the overabundance of information including false or misleading ones, has significant implications for public health management. Specifically, the creation and dissemination of inaccurate information hinder individual access to reliable sources and guidance, leading to the rejection of health interventions, disregard for epidemiological guidelines, and the proliferation of conspiracy-motivated beliefs and behaviour. For example, the association of vaccines with microchips and magnets has fuelled anti-vaccine sentiments, with data from across 23 countries in January 2021 showing that only 63% of respondents will accept a vaccine, well below the threshold of 75% minimum to attain herd immunity in a post-pandemic world.

Against this backdrop, it is important to improve existing information management mechanisms and generate new ones to ensure effective responses to health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, applying evidence and risk-based interventions that drive positive health-seeking behaviour is key to building social resilience, promoting a sound understanding of public health, and providing citizens with the toolkit to protect themselves and their communities.

Ultimately, governments, organisations, and other stakeholders must strengthen infodemic management, regulate the information landscape, and create credible, constructive public health narratives. It is only with such collective efforts can the pandemic be truly and effectively be addressed.

Theme Guide for Committee B

Committee B DIAS

Chair

Michelle Wijesinghe

Hello, my name is Michelle Wijesunghe (vhe-jay-sing-huh). I’m a fourth year Global Health student, specializing in Health Policy, Management & Systems. I’m currently completing my Global Health Practicum in Costa Rica, where I am an event organizer and project manager for The Grounded Project. We organize and host film events in partnership with Costa Rican universities and indigenous communities. I’m excited to chair this committee with my colleagues, and hope to encourage insightful and thought-provoking debate.

Vice Chair

Radhika Jain

Hi, my name is Radhika Jain, a fourth-year Global Health student, endeavouring to accomplish a Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Policy, Management, and Systems. Currently, I am the youngest Volunteer Committee member for the Rexdale Community Health Center, and a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. With co-op experience as a student nurse aide at Sunnybrook Health Science Center’s Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic. Leading to the development of my interest in the Canadian healthcare system and international initiatives. I hope to continue my pursuit of policy equality and system improvement, through leadership opportunities.

Secretariat

Ekemini Oku

Hello, I’m Ekemini Oku. An undergraduate Global Health student candidate specializing in Policy, Management, and Systems. I’m passionate and inquisitive about health equity, women’s and children’s health. I’m inspired by various advocates in the field of social justice and human rights that fight to ensure equitable health access for women and children who are the most vulnerable groups. I would love to begin working on solutions to resolve this global health crisis. With this in mind, I have begun this journey volunteering with a Nigerian-based non-profit organization called Ibanifiok. The organization is focused on educating and inspiring young Nigerian girls to equip them with the tools they need to flourish in life. I am very happy to be a part of York University’s first-ever World Health Assembly Simulation as the secretariat for Committee B-Strengthening Infodemic Management.

Strengthening Infodemic Management

Committee B DIAS

​