The Agency, in collaboration with its development partners, recently launched a new mobile game called “Cranky Uncle Vaccine Game” in Accra. The game is designed to counter misinformation and misinformation surrounding vaccines.
Mrs. Mabel Asafo, Deputy Director of the Agency’s Health Promotion Department, explained that the game is designed to educate the public on the tactics used to mislead and spread false information about vaccines. It also seeks to provide people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and protect public health.
The deputy director stressed that misinformation has contributed to vaccine skepticism and hesitation, making it difficult to fight infectious diseases in recent times. He also noted that this epidemic of misinformation is not only a danger to individual well-being but also to the collective health of our communities.
Ms. Asafo said the Agency recognizes that combating disinformation requires a proactive and effective plan, not just reactive measures. Therefore, it is necessary to establish strong monitoring structures to detect and deal with potential cases of misinformation in a timely manner. This approach will not only help deal with crises but also prevent them from happening in the first place.
The General Director of the Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, announced that the launch of the digital gaming app was not only to showcase it, but also to celebrate the transformative power of digital technology in promoting truth and public health. He emphasized the importance of digital technology in providing a platform to engage and educate the public about the importance of vaccines and the dangers of misinformation. Dr Kuma-Aboagye acknowledged that the journey towards harnessing the full potential of digital technology to combat vaccine-related misinformation had only just begun. He also cited the need to continue innovating, adapting and leveraging emerging technologies to stay ahead of the “vendors of lies.”
In his closing statement, the Director-General noted that the launch and dissemination of the game represented an important milestone in the efforts made to tackle vaccine-related misinformation. He advocated embracing the new era of innovation and collaboration while working together to build a healthier, more informed world for generations to come.
You can download Cranky Uncle Vaccine Game on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS