The African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and the Environment REMAPSEN has emphasized the critical role of the media in addressing the growing challenge of misinformation, particularly in the areas of health, climate, and the environment.
This was highlighted during a roundtable discussion organized by CFI Medias on the theme “How are the media responding to misinformation?” The event took place during the Fabrique One Sustainable Health, on the sidelines of the One Health Summit in Lyon.
Speaking at the session, REMAPSEN’s Special Advisor to the President and Director of Partnerships, Bouba Sow, presented practical insights into how structured and coordinated media action can effectively counter misinformation.
He explained that REMAPSEN’s approach is built on three key pillars, beginning with the strength of a collective network.
According to him, the organization has established a pan-African media network comprising over 800 outlets across more than 40 countries, working together to produce accurate, credible, and high-quality information.
Sow noted that this collaboration enables the pooling of resources, harmonization of messaging, and wider dissemination of reliable information.
He added that it also helps bridge information gaps on critical issues such as health, climate, and the environment, while taking into account local languages and socio-cultural contexts.
“In the face of misinformation that spreads rapidly across borders, a coordinated response is essential to reach diverse audiences, especially in areas with limited access to scientific information”.
He further highlighted REMAPSEN’s commitment to building the capacity of journalists through specialized training in information production and verification. According to him, combating misinformation goes beyond correcting false narratives; it also involves preventing their spread.
This, he said, enhances journalists’ ability to interpret and report scientific data accurately, leading to improved media coverage and the development of a network of informed and responsible journalists.
On partnerships, Sow stressed the importance of collaboration among media organizations, scientific institutions, public authorities, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure credible public health communication.
He described such cross-sector collaboration as central to the One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
Sow concluded that the fight against misinformation must be collective, professional, and rooted in reliable sources. He emphasized that the media should not merely serve as channels of information but must be recognized and engaged as key stakeholders in addressing global challenges.