AIRA Infodemic Trends Report 18-23 May 2025
The "AIRA Infodemic Trends Report 18-23 May 2025" is a weekly brief (#162) focusing on public health infodemic trends in the African region.
Key Concerns:
- Mpox: Outbreaks in Togo and Ghana are raising questions about transmission routes and surveillance effectiveness. Sierra Leone is combating online rumors about false cures. Engagement: 94 posts, 1,286 comments, 417 shares.
- Vaccine Shortages (Kenya): Shortages of BCG and polio vaccines in Kenya are causing concern among parents due to delayed payments by the Treasury. Engagement: 36 posts, 542 comments, 176 shares.
- Diphtheria (Nigeria): The announcement of mandatory diphtheria vaccination in Nigeria has sparked a debate over individual freedoms amidst a surge in cases. Engagement: 85 posts, 1,040 comments, 312 shares.
Report Highlights:
- Provides engagement data, keywords, and specific concerns related to each issue.
- Includes details on the situation in each country, public reactions, and potential consequences.
- Offers "What can we do?" sections with recommendations for addressing the issues, including early detection, decentralized testing, data sharing, community engagement, and addressing supply chain challenges.
- Contains a "Reference Guide" and sections on "Key Resources" (Mpox, Polio, Diphtheria) and "Methodology."
- Encourages feedback through a survey to improve the report.
- Provides contact information for Salif Diarra (diarrasa [at] who.int (diarrasa[at]who[dot]int)) for further information.
