The year 2020 has seen the rise of a global public health crisis caused by COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus. With the worldwide spread of the virus, the world has also seen a steady increase in related misinformation. Of particular concern is information spreading as wrong or misleading health advice. This is often done with the best of intentions. However, if that information turns out to be inaccurate, there is more harm than good done for the people.
Concerned about the spread of new coronavirus, Partners In Health (PIH), a global health organization, has launched the StopCOVID campaign, as part of its broader efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the StopCOVID campaign, PIH has partnered with Future by Design to develop the StopCOVID Myth Busters campaign.
To provide and share reliable information with the public, PIH consulted with its infectious disease experts and trusted global health resources to break down prevailing myths related to COVID-19, the disease resulting from the novel coronavirus. Together, they have defined a list of nine most commonly shared myths and provided facts to set straight some of the misinformation that is currently circulating among the public.
Myth Busters campaign covers nine myths identified, visually presented through tailor-made illustrations. Engagement of the public was critical. Hence, the materials were developed as poll questions for each myth, inviting people to answer if the statements were true or false. Campaign materials were developed in English, French and Spanish, and distributed digitally on PIH social media channels. StopCOVID Myth Busters posters were designed for healthcare facilities to use and distribute.
This fight will be long, but Partners In Health has a plan to win. PIH is uniquely positioned to respond to COVID-19, leveraging deep experience in treating infectious disease outbreaks and responding to emergencies around the world.
To learn more about PIH StopCOVID campaign, please visit https://www.pih.org/coronavirus-response.
