POSTED April 14, 2020
Misinformation about COVID-19 is causing fear and anxiety
How Children Believe is ensuring communities where we work have accurate information about the pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect populations around the world, rumours and falsehoods about what it is, how it’s spread, cures and more are causing concern, even in areas where Children Believe works.
Whether “fake news” is spread intentionally or unintentionally, the implications can be far-reaching. “We should not lose sight of the fact that, irrespective of intention, the effect of sharing falsehoods is to disinform and disempower the public, with deadly potential,” Guy Berger, the director for policies and strategies regarding communication and information at UNESCO, is quoted as saying by the UN News.
In some Children Believe communities, such news has caused fear about how the virus is contracted and among health staff who we’re not prepared for the outbreak. So, we’re sharing accurate life-saving information in local languages about the virus through radio, social media, posters and pamphlets. We’re also distributing protective equipment to health centres as well as food and hygiene kits to families.
To learn more about how you can help today, visit childrenbelieve.ca/covid.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.