Pamela Rendi-Wagner, the new chief of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is on a mission to bridge the gap between scientific information and the general public. In her recent press briefing at the European Health Forum Gastein, Rendi-Wagner emphasized the need for clear and accessible communication, citing the confusion during the COVID-19 pandemic as a key example of the public feeling left in the dark.
A recent report from the European Court of Auditors criticized the ECDC’s public communication efforts during the pandemic, highlighting the need for transparency and comprehensibility. Rendi-Wagner acknowledged this gap and stressed the importance of addressing the public’s concerns and uncertainties to build trust, especially in the context of vaccinations.
To counter disinformation on social media, Rendi-Wagner has implemented a communication strategy for 2022-2027 that targets EU citizens. The agency has also launched a new initiative called social listening to detect misinformation in the scientific domain early on and respond with accurate information promptly.
Rendi-Wagner’s goal is to combat disinformation, make scientific information more accessible to the public, and ultimately build trust by prioritizing clear communication. By improving transparency, comprehensibility, and responsiveness, the ECDC under her leadership aims to engage a wider audience and address the public’s concerns effectively.
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