Zambia National Public Health Institute National One Health Coordinator, Raymond Hamoonga, says rumors, misinformation, and disinformation hinder government’s response efforts to fighting pandemics.
During a workshop on Rumor and Infodemic Management for Priority Zoonotic Conditions in Zambia with support from USAID through Breakthrough Action for Social Behavior Change Project held in Kabwe, Dr. Hamoonga said the world is facing unprecedented challenges in managing the spread of misinformation, particularly in the context of public health.
He said Zoonotic diseases, which transmit between animals and humans, pose a significant threat to human health, and Zambia is no exception.
“Diseases such as rabies, brucellosis, and anthrax require swift and accurate information management to prevent outbreaks and protect human and animal healthâ, said Dr. Hamoonga in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
And Dr. Hamoonga called for enhanced surveillance and detection of zoonotic diseases.
He said there was need to develop multisectoral messaging for priority zoonotic diseases like anthrax and rabies as priority.
By Angel Kasabo
