Grafik mit KI Copilot generiert / Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been accompanied by targeted health disinformation just hours after the WHO’s emergency declaration. Our report analyses the narratives, actors and dynamics behind this information manipulation – ranging from bioweapons claims and conspiracy narratives to alleged “simple remedies” and anti-Western narratives. The study was authored by Dr Christopher Nehring, a security expert specialising in disinformation and information manipulation.
The analysis shows that disinformation in the health sector is not a new phenomenon, but has followed a recurring pattern for decades. Many of the narratives circulating today closely resemble earlier campaigns related to AIDS, COVID-19 and other epidemics. Particularly concerning is the combination of fear, political instrumentalisation and economic interests: health disinformation has long evolved into a business model.
The report contextualises the current situation, outlines typical narratives, and explains why health crises are particularly vulnerable to disinformation. It also provides recommendations on the countermeasures that policymakers, authorities and media actors should now take.
Read the full report available for download above.
