New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Thailand and Sri Lanka to pilot a new tool to counter infodemics—the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation that hinders access to credible health information. Named the 'Information Environment Assessment' (IEA), this tool is currently under trial in both nations to enhance public health responses during emergencies.

The circulation of unreliable information, more so since the COVID-19 pandemic, has created significant challenges for communities seeking trustworthy health guidance. So the WHO South-East Asia Region has prioritized this issue within its 2023–2027 Health Security Roadmap and 2025–2029 Community Engagement Framework.

WHO backed by GAVI

Supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the IEA enables countries to evaluate how information is accessed, processed, and disseminated, examining factors such as communication infrastructure, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks.

In Thailand and Sri Lanka, multidisciplinary teams comprising representatives from health, media, telecommunications, and law enforcement sectors are working together to assess their national information landscapes.

The initiative focuses on identifying trusted sources and obstacles to effective communication, with the aim of strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Infodemic Management (IM) efforts. This pilot phase is expected to refine the IEA tool and its accompanying training package, paving the way for its eventual deployment as a global resource.

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