Digital Social Networks as a Means of Combating Anti-vaccine Propaganda
Part of the prevalence of online vaccine mistrust is that many rely on what they read and see on social media, regardless of the reliability of the information sources. Indeed, social networks facilitate the automatic reception and distribution of information of all kinds, real or manipulated. They are the place where too often the context of a news item, a photo, a testimony or a video can be taken out of context to mislead readers.
That being said, many organizations are harnessing the full potential offered by social media to hinder vaccine disinformation. Social media networks provide instant and easy access for health professionals and credible health organizations to use their digital media presence to promote pro-vaccine messages. Online vaccinations education sessions are also among strategies to deal with infodemia on the internet. Thus, the role of social media is tremendous in preventing global vaccination rates from stagnating.
GaneshAID, an Exemplary Actor
Our Strategy
Aiming to save lives and keep millions of children in low-income countries safe from serious childhood illnesses, GaneshAID produces and publishes hundreds of reliable, well-illustrated contents across its platforms. The idea is to restore people’s confidence in vaccines, by emphasizing their safety and effectiveness against severe childhood illnesses. To do this, GaneshAID has developed a digital communication strategy that allows it to tactfully counter online anti-vaccine conspiracies. We do this by actively listening to parents, researching from reliable sources on the safety of vaccines, and taking into account abuses of anti-vaccine communication online. Common themes addressed by GaneshAID on all of its platforms are COVID-19 facts, innovation as an essential aid tool for vaccination coverage, realistic health quotes, the painful experience of under-immunized children, benefits of immunization around the world and the latest technology tools designed by GaneshAID to boost routine immunization activities, even during a pandemic.
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