CHP Australia backs call to action on health misinformation

Consumer Healthcare Products (CHP) Australia has announced its support of the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) call for action to tackle health misinformation on the internet and social media. The organisation also welcomes the AMA’s Position Statement on Health Literacy.

CHP Australia has previously advocated for the development of a robust strategy to combat health misinformation, and that increased and ongoing investment should be provided to improve Australia’s health literacy.

In September 2020 — responding to the National Preventive Health Strategy Consultation Paper — CHP Australia submitted the following:

“Considering the evolving power and influence of social media in disseminating information and shaping public opinion and perception, a robust and responsive strategy to combat health misinformation must form part of our health literacy and preventive health frameworks.”

CHP Australia CEO Dr Deon Schoombie said, “Health literacy affects an individuals’ ability to discern what is genuine health information and to identify misleading information sources, heavily impacting governments’ and health authorities’ ability to manage and protect public health.

“The evolving power and influence of social media mean a robust strategy to combat health misinformation and disinformation is required.”

CHP Australia is committed to improving Australia’s health literacy and continues to work with policymakers, health experts and other stakeholders to address this important challenge.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/galitskaya