Health Infodemic: The New Challenge of Iran's Health System and Strategies to Deal with It

Abstract

The phenomenon of health information disorders is one of the major challenges for health systems around the world. This document was developed with the aim of identifying and analyzing solutions to combat this phenomenon. Based on the analysis, five main policy options were identified, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and implementation requirements. Developing automated and semi-automated verification tools as a technological solution can reduce the speed of the spread of misinformation, but it is accompanied by challenges such as high implementation costs and the possibility of algorithmic errors. Educating the public on health and media literacy is a long-term and time-consuming solution; however, it has the most lasting effect in empowering citizens to recognize reliable information. Establishing integrated monitoring systems can improve inter-agency coordination, but it faces legal challenges and concerns about privacy and freedom of expression. Promoting critical thinking and social responsibility lays the foundation for creating a culture of rational treatment of health information, although its implementation requires a change in attitude at the community level. Finally, the use of neutral and impartial language in health messages increases public trust in official institutions. Considering the country's local and structural conditions, health and media literacy education is the first priority, the development of verification tools is the second priority, promoting thinking is the third priority, the use of neutral language is the fourth priority, and the creation of integrated monitoring systems is the fifth priority. Successful implementation of these solutions requires cross-sectoral cooperation, allocation of sufficient resources, and long-term planning. Investment in this direction, by reducing the harm caused by incorrect health information, leads to the enhancement of social capital and the resilience of society against future crises. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.