Online Campaigns in Australia to Counter Health Misinformation About COVID-19

The Australian Government has been urged by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) to use targeted online advertising efforts to combat health misinformation. Medical misinformation must be addressed, according to the American Medical Association's statement to the National Health Literacy Strategy consultation.

The COVID-19 epidemic, according to AMA President Professor Steve Robson, has resulted in widespread misinformation on a large scale and with repercussions in Australia that were previously unimaginable.

COVID-19 in Australia During Christmas

“As we face another COVID-19 wave coming into Christmas it is really important for the public to listen to their GPs and the public health advice,” Professor Robson said. “Mask-up when you are unable to socially distance and if you aren’t up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination, please make a booking to get your booster. While being up to date with your vaccination may not stop you from getting COVID-19, it will greatly reduce your chances of more serious illness or hospitalization. We all have COVID-19 fatigue, but COVID-19 is not yet tired of us, it is a deadly virus which is still causing too many deaths in Australia each week.”

According to Professor Robson, the plan must recognize the importance of media, particularly digital media, in the dissemination of accurate information.

AMA Recommendations on COVID-19

In relation to medical disinformation, he said that the AMA had made several recommendations to the National Health Literacy Strategy, including-

1. The Australian Government should make long-term, significant investments in online advertising to combat health misinformation, particularly on social media platforms.
2. That the Australian government works with the administrations of each state and territory to expand the current ‘Health Direct’ website to offer a solitary, easily accessible national source of accurate health information.
3. Social media businesses regularly accept their duty to promote public health and fight false information about health on their platforms.
4. Doctors are supported by medical schools and firms in the health industry to put evidence-based communication strategies into practice to enhance the health of their patients, and literacy.
5. There should be time and money allocated for professional growth and health literacy instruction State and territorial health offices recognize the significance of having a high level of health literacy and acting practically within their health services to make it better.
6. This should incorporate the offering of easily navigable public health designs and readily available health information infrastructure, education dissemination, and health promotion campaigns.

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Source-Medindia