Name of the Asset | Assessing Infodemic in the Post-COVID-19 Risk Communication and Governance
Type of Asset | Research
Date | June 2025
DOI | 10.69814/wp/202594
SUMMARY
Apart from various gaps in emergency response, the infodemic arising from excessive and hazardous risk communication compounded the losses incurred during the pandemic. The infodemic not only led to confusion and chaos among citizens but also impeded decision making at different levels. The study thus aimed to assess the infodemic for the post-COVID-19 risk communication and governance across the three countries - Bangladesh, India, and the United Kingdom. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising quantitative and qualitative data methods. In addition to a comprehensive literature review and an assessment of infodemic-related content published in leading national newspapers of selected countries, interviews were conducted with 105 key stakeholders to understand the ground realities, management challenges, best practices, and policy gaps. The findings indicate an increasing trend of the infodemic across three countries that needs urgent attention. The study recommends developing comprehensive policies integrating disaster risk communication and measures to address infodemic to reduce disaster losses, particularly those resulting from information disorder.
AUTHOR | Shabana Khan, Jyoti Mishra, Nova Ahmed, Ifti Azad Abeer, Prachi Mittal, Saeem Hossain Shanto, Khushboo Mundada, Priyanka Haldiya, David Johnston
COUNTRY AND/OR REGION | International
NAME OF THE PROGRAMME | Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC)
