A flagship initiative of DataLeads and signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, First Check has 49 members from Australia, Africa, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and Yemen.
By Jisha Krishnan
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead had said. First Check, a flagship initiative of DataLeads and signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), is a shining example of how right she was!
A global collaboration that brings together medical professionals, researchers, journalists and technologists to combat health misinformation, First Check is a pioneering effort that has been going from strength to strength. Recently, five new members were inducted into the network.
Currently, First Check has 49 members from Australia, Africa Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and Yemen.
Here’s a brief introduction of the new First Check members:
1) Dr Annick Mondjo
Director, Infectious Diseases Program, Ministry of Health, Gabon (Africa)
A physician, with more than two decades of experience in epidemiology and public health, Dr Annick Mondjo completed her medical education from the Faculty of Medicine, Paris, with a Silver medal. She represents Central Africa within the Steering Committee of the Public Health Risk Communication and Community Engagement Community of Practice for Africa (PH-RCCE-CoPA).
2) Zozimo
Nurse & infodemic manager - Doctors Without Borders MSF, Rwanda (Africa)
Zozimo is a registered nurse holding a Master’s degree in Public Health. He has worked with UNICEF, WHO and the Rwanda Ministry of Health. He has extensive experience in public health program design, strategic planning, and implementation, with a key focus on health promotion and community engagement.
3) Jakir Hossain Bhuiyan Masud
Chairman, PHIF, Dhaka (Bangladesh)
An academician, researcher and consultant in the field of public health and digital health for 17+ years, Jakir Hossain Bhuiyan Masud has been the Chairman of the Public Health Informatics Foundation (PHIF) since 2015. He holds master’s degrees in health economics, public health in epidemiology and biomedical and health informatics.
4) Zayed Aboali
Nurse - UNDP, Yemen
Zayed Aboali is a UN volunteer as National Emergency Nurse with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Yemen. He has nearly nine years of experience in nursing and as a trainer in first aid.
5) John Aloyzeus Reotutar
Biologist & writer, Philippines
John Aloyzeus Reotutar is a registered writer under the National Book Development Board, Philippines. He is an active STEM advocate and member of numerous science and youth organizations to enhance his experience as a science communicator.
This steadily growing group of thoughtful, committed professionals is changing the world. By fostering a culture of fact-checking, powered by collaboration, critical thinking and empathy. First Check empowers people to ask the right questions to get accurate health-related information.
Whenever you come across dubious health-related information, drop us a WhatsApp message on +919311223145 and our experts will fact-check the claim for you. Trust facts, not false claims.
