Infodemics: expert warn against vaccine misinformation

By Sheriff Saidykhan

Adele Baleta, science researcher and trainer have warned against vaccine misinformation amid growing public health emergencies facing the continent.

She made these remarks on Thursday during the continental media training for health and science journalists organised by Africa CDC in Addis Ababa.

She urged science journalists to write stories based on scientific evidence.

“Balanced coverage of science doesn't mean giving equal weight to both sides of an argument. It means opportioning weight according to the balance of evidence.”she said.

Lack of evidenced based information about vaccines and science literacy she said, leads to myths and rumors being spread in communities. “People generally don't nt understand clinical trials, how vaccines work and the risks and benefits of vaccines.” she remarked.

She added: “There are several reasons. People may be complacent: they don’t actively seek out vaccination even though they are not against vaccines. They may be influenced by religious leaders who don’t believe in vaccines. Some people may not have the time or transport money. The spreading of rumors on social media could cause people to lose confidence in the safety of the vaccine.” she concluded.