In an effort toward addressing the growing challenge of health misinformation in Ghana, Verify Health Ghana, an independent health fact-checking group, has been formed following a successful training session oh health misinformation/disinformation for community health workers and NGO’s in Tamale.
The training which was the second edition, was organized under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Health Misinformation/Disinformation initiative, brought together public health workers; doctors, nurses, public health officers, health promotion officers and NGO representatives, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to tackle health misinformation effectively. The training is the second in edition after a successful event in Accra.
Verify Health Ghana aims to collaborate closely with key institutions such as the Ghana Health Service and other fact-checking groups such as Ghana FactCheck. The group’s mission is clear: to verify health information, counter disinformation, and foster accurate and trustworthy health communication across communities in Ghana.
The training program was made possible through This project was made possible through funding by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with Meridian International Center as the implementing partner, with support from strategic partners including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (Northern Region), Ghana Health Service, Ghana FactCheck. It aimed to empower local health advocates with the skills to combat the harmful effects of misinformation, particularly in underserved areas.
Kelvin Odonkor, a professional mental health nurse, health blogger, and IVLP Impact awardee 2024, spearheaded the initiative. During the closing session, he emphasized the importance of the network’s duty:
“Misinformation has real consequences, from fueling individual health decisions, vaccine hesitancy to obstructing critical public health interventions. Verify Health Ghana is a vital step toward ensuring communities have access to credible and accurate health information.”
“As health workers we are at the center of the community and what we say is easily carried away. This training has provided us with an understanding of the consequences, how to check and possibly how to avoid being involved with misinformation/disinformation.I just hope it will be replicated elsewhere so other colleagues will weary of such developments and possibly look out for how to resolve them” – participant, Jerry James Dinku, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital said at the end of the training.
The training focused on critical skills, including identifying misinformation patterns, using digital tools for fact-checking, and developing community-based strategies to enhance health literacy. Participants expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to applying their newly acquired skills to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The formation of Verify Health Ghana highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure that health information is accurate, accessible, and impactful. As the group begins its work, it is poised to play a significant role in supporting public health campaigns, verifying health claims, and rebuilding trust in health communication nationwide.
