Open AccessThe impact of social networking services on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa
Author(s) -
Francky Teddy Endomba,
Jean Joël Bigna,
Jean Jacques Noubiap
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.2.23073
Subject(s) - pandemic , social media , medicine , covid-19 , outbreak , disease , coronavirus , internet privacy , public relations , information dissemination , world wide web , infectious disease (medical specialty) , virology , political science , computer science , pathology
Social networking services played a crucial role in the management of previous outbreaks around the world. African populations are increasingly using social networks and this may have benefits but also harmful consequences, especially at this time of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This paper concisely discusses of these consequences which include the propagation of “fake news” and the misinterpretation of messages pertaining to the prevention and the treatment of the disease. Moreover, our commentary provides some ways to alleviate them, chiefly represented by a framed and practical communication by health authorities. We suggest for instance the systematic sharing of correct messages through official Facebook and Twitter accounts and the conception of tailored web tools dedicated to the verification of circulating information.