Trust is essential to the effectiveness of disease prevention and control, a reality underscored by global health events such as COVID-19 and the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The crisis revealed how trust can be compromised by propaganda—misinformation and deliberate disinformation—and by the difficulties of risk communication within fast-changing, intricate environments. Propaganda may diminish public confidence in health authorities, vaccines, and scientific recommendations, while thoughtful, well-executed risk communication—rooted in transparency, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity—can bolster trust and encourage adherence to preventive measures. This paper investigates the dual role of propaganda and risk communication in shaping public trust during the COVID-19 period, assessing how misinformation spread through social media and other channels weakened confidence in health advisories, vaccination efforts, and government actions. It also spotlights communication approaches that effectively countered mistrust and promoted community engagement. Using case studies from diverse regions, the study stresses the enduring need for consistent, honest, and empathetic messaging to safeguard public trust amid uncertainty and rapidly evolving information ecosystems. The findings indicate that mitigating misinformation successfully requires not only rapid response but also proactive, participatory engagement with communities to address fears, misconceptions, and cultural nuances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for health authorities, policymakers, and communication professionals aiming to strengthen trust, improve compliance with preventive measures, and enhance health outcomes during current and future health crises. Ultimately, the analysis contends that the struggle between countering misinformation and delivering robust risk communication is central to maintaining public trust in disease prevention and control efforts.

Authors:
Pahurat Kongmuang Taisuwan, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Pahurat Kongmuang Taisuwan, Director of the SORDPC, DDC-MOPH, Thailand. She is responsible for addressing diseases and hazards associated with students in rural and mountainous areas, as well as within prison health programs.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/pahurat-k-taisu-10a9b313

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