Fighting Fake News on COVID-19 (South Sudan)
During these unprecedented times, where the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact millions of people worldwide, we are also facing an epidemic on information, the so called ‘’Infodemic’’.
The spread of false information is a major concern, causing anxiety and distress, and the misinformation can also cost lives.
Nelson Kwaje is the Director of Programmes at #DefyHateNow and his work in South Sudan focuses on tackling the misinformation. He is leading workshops within a digital community of young people, to raise awareness on the prevention and protection against the virus SARS-CoV-2.
Nelson Kwaje has a background in tech and peace-building, which serves his purpose to help communities to receive accurate information on the coronavirus.
He founded 211CHECK, a fact-checking and information verification platform via#defyhatenow (www.211check.org ) and comprises of a community of people from various disciplines, working on providing accurate information using the #COVID19SS hashtag.
Their main approach is to expose any misleading information on pandemic related topics, such as non-approved and dangerous treatments, false information related to the transmission or any hostile prejudices against people affected by the virus amongst others.
Nelson’s leadership and the impressive work done with his digital community is helping communities to understand the importance to rely only on the truth, in order to protect lives during this difficult time.
To know more about Nelson Nelson Kwaje’s work and support his initiative, please read here : https://defyhatenow.org/defyhatenow_southsudan/