Opinion: Along With Covid, This Is A Pandemic Of Misinformation
Opinion: Along With Covid, This Is A Pandemic Of Misinformation
Updated: July 15, 2021 10:49 am IST
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic bared the weaknesses in the primary health care systems of the country, more so for communication on health issues and disease prevention. As the cases surged, people around the country searched desperately for authentic information on disease prevention and where to access treatment and vaccines. Traditionally, the National Health Mission depends on Front-Line Workers (FLW), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and Male Multipurpose Worker (MPW) to communicate critical health messages to large communities, particularly in rural areas. The NHM also houses an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) bureau that contributes to informing communities on health issues, largely through mass media like television or newspapers.