AIRA Infodemic Trends Report 10-17 May 2025
The "AIRA Infodemic Trends Report 10-17 May 2025" (Weekly brief #161) highlights key public health concerns and trends in the African Region based on social listening data.
Top Concerns:
- U.S. aid cut to Zambia: The U.S. is cutting $50 million in medical aid to Zambia due to the theft of medical supplies, causing public outcry and concerns about shortages of essential medicines like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis treatments.
- Measles vaccine doubts: In the DRC, Nigeria, and Niger, despite repeated vaccination campaigns, families are questioning the effectiveness of measles vaccines and demanding clear explanations and proof of vaccine quality.
Persistent Trends:
- Meningitis outbreaks: There is growing public alarm over meningitis outbreaks and vaccine shortages in Nigeria, Niger, and Tchad, with concerns about regional spread and overwhelmed healthcare systems.
The report also includes information on engagement metrics for these issues on social media, along with recommendations for addressing the concerns, such as increasing transparency, monitoring conversations, mobilizing healthcare professionals, and adapting communication materials to local languages.
A survey is included to gather feedback on the report (French, English)
Key resources and the methodology used in the report are also detailed.
For more information, please contact: Salif Diarrah diarrasa [at] who.int (diarrasa[at]who[dot]int)
