Combating Scientific Disinformation : A Collective Challenge for a Responsible Society

Scientific disinformation has become a scourge that threatens health, the environment, and technology. To combat this phenomenon, the Youth for Health and Development of Africa (YOHEDA) association organized a conference to raise awareness among the public and media about the importance of verifying information, on October 18, 2024, in Yaoundé.

Science under attack from rumors, Central Africa fights back! Faced with the proliferation of false information on social networks, the fight against scientific disinformation has become an absolute priority in Central Africa. Gathered on October 18, 2024, on the occasion of a conference organized by Youth for Health and Development of Africa (YOHEDA), experts, journalists, and civil society representatives sounded the alarm on the disastrous consequences of these rumors on public health, the environment, and technology. Dr. Hemes Nkwa, an epidemiologist and president of YOHEDA, emphasized the urgency of acting. “False information can have very serious and disastrous consequences on science, health, the environment, and technology. This conference aims to raise awareness among the public and find concrete solutions to combat this scourge.”

The participants highlighted the crucial role of the media in disseminating information. Joseph Mbeng Boum, a science journalist, insisted on the need to train journalists to verify sources and decipher scientific data. “It is essential that media professionals can be trained to read scientific journals, confront experts, and untangle bad information.”

The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientists, journalists, and civil society.  Ndi Nancy Saiboh, executive director of Actions for Development and Empowerment (ADE), called for individual responsibility in disseminating information. “If you are not sure of the information, do not click.”

According to her, “the goal of this conference is that everyone is responsible for the information they share. If you are not sure of the information, do not click. We must control our emotions and use practical examples to raise awareness among the public.” Joseph Mbeng Boum, a science journalist and vice-president of the World Federation of Science Journalists, estimates that “science should not be used to misinform, but to provide solutions and credible information so that individuals can make informed decisions.”

The conference was organized as part of a program to combat scientific disinformation in Central Africa, in collaboration with the Quebec Science Press Agency, the Journalism and Citizenship Association in France, and the Organization of the Francophonie.** The organizers hope that this conference will be the beginning of a responsible and enlightened society, where information is verified and decisions are made based on solid scientific facts.

At the end of this conference, the participants signed a joint declaration committing to combat scientific disinformation.  This event marks an important step in mobilizing African civil society to face this global challenge.

Elvis Serge NSAA

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