Advancing Infodemic Management in Côte d’Ivoire

This success story outlines the development and implementation of a comprehensive rumor management system in Côte d’Ivoire aimed at combating misinformation during public health emergencies. Breakthrough ACTION and the government of Côte d’Ivoire began working on the rumor management system in 2019; at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was swiftly repurposed. The rumor management system involves a network of community key informants, hotline operators, and social listening tools to track and respond to rumors in real-time. Over the years, the rumor management system has collected and analyzed thousands of rumors, providing valuable insights for public health messaging and interventions. Lessons learned include the importance of community engagement, diverse data sources, and a systems-building approach. The rumor management system continues to evolve, serving as a vital national resource for managing public perceptions during health crises beyond COVID-19.