The Department of Health warned the public against false news circulating online claiming Health Secretary Ted Herbosa was endorsing a cure for diabetes.
In its advisory, the DOH denied the false information posted on the Facebook page called “Journey to get rid of diabetes.”
“The Department reminds everyone that non-communicable diseases and comorbidities such as diabetes can be prevented by practicing healthy habits such as proper diet and exercise among others,” the DOH said.
Aside from Herbosa, the post also named the UP-Philippine General Hospital as the site where to buy the “fabricated” diabetic cure.
“The DOH clarifies that no such scenario or statement has been made by the department officials,” the department added.
The department reminded the public to be vigilant of misinformation online.
A study by the World Health Organization earlier showed incorrect interpretations of health information, which increase during outbreaks and disasters, often negatively impact people’s mental health and increase vaccine hesitancy, and can delay the provision of health care.
“Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are critical in disseminating the rapid and far-reaching spread of information,” the WHO systematic review explained.
The repercussions of misinformation on social media include suchnegative effects as “an increase in erroneous interpretation of scientific knowledge, opinion polarization, escalating fear, and panic or decreased access to health care.”
The authors concluded that the effects of infodemics and health misinformation online can be countered by “developing legal policies, creating and promoting awareness campaigns, improving health-related content in mass media and increasing people’s digital and health literacy.”