Introduction:The spread of misinformation and disinformation during infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies can significantly impede effective public health responses.This infodemic phenomenon creat...Introduction:The spread of misinformation and disinformation during infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies can significantly impede effective public health responses.This infodemic phenomenon creates confusion and erodes public trust,leading to uncertainty in crisis situations.This study aimed to assess the health department’s capacity and capabilities in infodemic preparedness and management to enhance future emergency preparedness in accordance with International Health Regulations(IHR)-2005 guidelines.Methods:A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Semi-structured interviews with experts were conducted in August-September 2024 using a self-administered assessment tool based on IHR-2005 guidelines,supplemented by analysis of departmental documents and supporting evidence.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,with achievement levels scored from 0%to 100%across five categories.Results:The overall preparedness score was 21.7%,indicating limited capacities and capabilities.The risk communication and community engagement(RCCE)coordination system showed some strengths,with 80%of focal persons designated and moderate intersectoral coordination(40%),but lacked emergency spokesperson training.Community engagement activities demonstrated moderate effectiveness(40%).Key weaknesses included insufficient human resources(20%),inadequate technological infrastructure(20%),absence of infodemic analysis(0%),and lack of joint infodemic planning(0%).Significant delays were observed in identifying and responding to potentially harmful misinformation.Conclusions:Despite some effective practices in community engagement,substantial gaps exist in infodemic management preparedness.Critical deficiencies were identified in human and technological resources and infodemic response measures.Priority areas for improvement include human resource development,infodemic surveillance systems,digital tools implementation,and enhanced collaboration.The adoption of innovative tools and streamlined processes is essential for strengthening emergency risk communication preparedness.展开更多
基金Supported by funding from the Deanship for Scientific Research,King Faisal University,Saudi Arabia(KFU250563).
文摘Introduction:The spread of misinformation and disinformation during infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies can significantly impede effective public health responses.This infodemic phenomenon creates confusion and erodes public trust,leading to uncertainty in crisis situations.This study aimed to assess the health department’s capacity and capabilities in infodemic preparedness and management to enhance future emergency preparedness in accordance with International Health Regulations(IHR)-2005 guidelines.Methods:A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Semi-structured interviews with experts were conducted in August-September 2024 using a self-administered assessment tool based on IHR-2005 guidelines,supplemented by analysis of departmental documents and supporting evidence.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,with achievement levels scored from 0%to 100%across five categories.Results:The overall preparedness score was 21.7%,indicating limited capacities and capabilities.The risk communication and community engagement(RCCE)coordination system showed some strengths,with 80%of focal persons designated and moderate intersectoral coordination(40%),but lacked emergency spokesperson training.Community engagement activities demonstrated moderate effectiveness(40%).Key weaknesses included insufficient human resources(20%),inadequate technological infrastructure(20%),absence of infodemic analysis(0%),and lack of joint infodemic planning(0%).Significant delays were observed in identifying and responding to potentially harmful misinformation.Conclusions:Despite some effective practices in community engagement,substantial gaps exist in infodemic management preparedness.Critical deficiencies were identified in human and technological resources and infodemic response measures.Priority areas for improvement include human resource development,infodemic surveillance systems,digital tools implementation,and enhanced collaboration.The adoption of innovative tools and streamlined processes is essential for strengthening emergency risk communication preparedness.
