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.

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.