Monika Pansari: Health Misinformation – A Growing Threat to Public Trust and Well-being

Monika Pansari, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Health Misinformation: A Growing Threat to Public Trust and Well-being.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, misinformation spreads rapidly, and healthcare is one of its biggest victims. False or misleading health information – whether about diseases, treatments, or vaccines – can have life-threatening consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of social media, and the influence of artificial intelligence have made it easier than ever for misinformation to circulate unchecked. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all health-related posts on social media contain inaccuracies, leading to widespread confusion, fear, and mistrust.

The Dangerous Impact of Health Misinformation.

The effects of misinformation extend far beyond social media. It impacts real lives, influences health choices, and puts entire communities at risk.

During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016), rumours about the disease’s origins and fake cures slowed containment efforts. False claims that the vaccine caused infertility led many to reject it, worsening the epidemic. By the time the crisis ended, over 28,000 people had been infected, and more than 11,000 lives were lost.

In Pakistan, polio misinformation has fueled resistance to vaccination efforts. In 2019, viral falsehoods claiming polio vaccines made children sick led to mass refusals, and even resulted in a hospital being set on fire in Peshawar. The consequences? A resurgence of polio cases, undoing years of public health progress.

Even in developed countries like the United States, misinformation continues to mislead people. A study by the Huntsman Cancer Institute found that one in three viral articles about common cancers contained false or misleading information. Many of these posts promoted unproven ‘miracle’ cures while dismissing evidence-based medical treatments, potentially steering patients away from life-saving interventions.

How Social Media Fuels the Problem.

Social media has become a double-edged sword. While it helps spread awareness, it also allows misinformation to thrive. Influencers, celebrities, and even AI-generated content often present misleading health advice as fact. A recent study revealed that many influencers use fear-based tactics to promote unnecessary medical tests and treatments – creating anxiety while prioritizing views and engagement over medical accuracy.

How We Can Fight Health Misinformation.

Battling misinformation requires a collective effort from medical professionals, policymakers, and the public. Here’s how we can make a difference:

• Promoting Health Literacy: Educating people on how to identify credible sources and critically assess medical claims.
• Strengthening Regulations: Enforcing stricter controls on misleading health content, especially on social media.
• Encouraging Community Dialogue: Partnering with trusted community leaders to spread accurate information.
• Doctors Speaking Up: As a healthcare professional, I believe it is our responsibility to provide clear, evidence-based information and actively debunk harmful myths.

At a time when misinformation threatens public trust in medicine, let’s work together to ensure that accurate, science-backed knowledge prevails. If you have questions about your health, always turn to verified medical professionals and reliable sources – because when it comes to healthcare, the truth saves lives.”