In response to the significant global media attention on the spread of COVID-19 and what the World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed an ‘Infodemic’, a new public health campaign has been launched by hygiene brand Dettol. This initiative is aimed at evaluating claims related to COVID-19, correcting misinformation, challenging misperceptions, and debunking common myths.
The newly developed website, www.covid-19facts.com, serves as an educational resource providing authoritative and science-based information on topics such as virus transmission, misinformation about cures, and methods for mitigation and protection.
Highlighting the clear need to inform the public about the virus and the resulting ‘Infodemic’, a poll commissioned by Dettol revealed that 93 percent of people are concerned about the coronavirus outbreak, with 67 percent confirming that they are handwashing more frequently.
Reckitt Benckiser (RB), known for household brands including Dettol, Strepsils, Nurofen, Gaviscon, and Durex, is utilizing trusted expert sources to analyze evidence for and against claims and to call out unsubstantiated or incorrect information, as part of its commitment to scientific excellence.
The launch of the website is just one of several initiatives introduced by RB and Dettol to support, educate, and inform since the outbreak began. These initiatives include public hygiene education and product donations to State Governments in Nigeria.
Dr. Bruce Charlesworth, Chief Medical Officer – Health and Hygiene, RB, emphasized the responsibility to counteract myths and misinformation in the public domain. The new site aims to tackle prevalent but unsubstantiated myths and provide easy access to trusted information, in collaboration with public health experts, to fight against the ‘Infodemic’.
To find out more, please visit www.covid-19Facts.com.