Risk communication to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Countering the ‘Infodemic’

Trusted, accurate, simple, and widely shared risk information saves lives, particularly when it reaches ‘the last mile’ and is used by vulnerable communities. This is the case in all communities, all countries and all disasters, including during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

However, several weeks into this global crisis, it is also clear that a ‘parallel universe’ of rumour and false information is also active. It also has widespread reach and is influencing thinking and behaviour that could increase risk. This so-called ‘infodemic’ is a genuine threat to rapid prevention and early recovery in the face of COVID-19.

The 5th UNDRR Asia-Pacific COVID-19 Webinar - ‘Risk communication to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Countering the ‘Infodemic’ - convenes representatives from government, the World Health Organization, the media and civil society. The panel will outline: examples of effective messaging; how this information is reaching and helping to protect vulnerable communities; and what can be done to counter mis-information that could put people in harm’s way.

Disclaimer: For the purpose of this event, UNDRR procures the services of Zoom Video Communications, Inc., an external service provider. Registration for this webinar is supported by the Zoom registration mechanism and does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities.