Qatar National Library will host an event at the end of January exploring the spread of fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently about its vaccines.
The online event, which is open to the public via registration, takes place at 11:00 AM Doha time on 30 January 2021 and will look at where to obtain credible and authentic medical information about the coronavirus and its vaccine.
Senior consultant Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad General Hospital, will deliver the special lecture.
Abeer Saad Al Kuwari, Director of Research and Learning Services at the Library, said:
“The World Health Organization stated recently that we’re not just dealing with a pandemic currently - we’re fighting an ‘infodemic.’ We’re experiencing an excessive amount of information that makes it difficult for people to understand the steps they should take. This can upset effective public health responses and create distrust and uncertainty. What’s vital is for people to get information from credible and trusted sources, and this seminar will help to identify where the best sources are.
“There is so much information out there and it can be intimidating. Our role as custodians of information has been to gather the correct information from the appropriate sources to tackle misinformation and help people educate themselves, and at the same time create awareness of the importance of research and learning.”
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On Dr. Muna Al Maslamani’s special appearance at the lecture, Al Kuwari said:
“She is a role model who is committed to improving the quality of patient care and takes necessary steps to motivate others to do the same, like at this important event at the Library.
“Dr. Muna has received several leadership and service awards for her numerous achievements in medicine, and this bears evidence of her passion and commitment towards work and patients. We are delighted to be able to hear her views on where to find the most credible information during this time.”
Commenting on the lecture, Dr. Al Maslamani said:
“The pandemic has greatly affected our lives in the past year. The release of the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the breakthroughs towards saying goodbye to the virus.
“In the past months, the spread of fake news has ended several people’s lives. The best way to protect ourselves and our families is to equip ourselves with the right information. Let us be smart and cautious in choosing the information that we feed our minds. Facts can save lives!”
To register for the event, please follow this link: COVID-19 Vaccines: Between Fact and Fake News (qnl.qa).
