This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
July 8, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world, with Africa being no exception. Despite lower case numbers compared to Asia, Europe, and the USA, the continent has been hit hard by an economic meltdown.
Kenya, for instance, has recorded over 8,000 cases and 170 fatalities by July 8, with the Ministry of Health warning of worse times ahead. The country is projecting its infections to peak from August to January, with schools remaining closed until 2021.
However, in a bid to combat the spread of misinformation, the MultiChoice Group has joined the United Nations as the official Africa media supporter for the Global COVID-19 campaign. The campaign, which launched globally on June 30, aims to highlight the dangers of sharing false information related to COVID-19.
As part of its efforts to raise awareness, the MultiChoice Group has come on board to support the campaign, which encourages people to 'pause, think, and take care' before sharing information that could be inaccurate or misinformed.
According to Robert Skinner, Senior Adviser for Global Communications at the United Nations, 'We are in a moment of global reckoning as COVID-19 and its social and economic consequences challenge the world in unprecedented ways. Misinformation, hate speech, and fake news are fueling and distorting all of these challenges and eroding the truth.'
Imtiaz Patel, Executive Chairman of the MultiChoice Group, added that 'The dissemination of credible information has become critical to fighting this epidemic which continues to impact millions across the globe and our continent.'
The campaign will be broadcast across Africa through the DStv and GOtv on-air and digital platforms, SuperSport and M-Net properties, and Showmax. The public is encouraged to support the cause and pledge not to share inaccurate information at www.shareverified.com.
