WHO's Information Network For Epidemics (EPI-WIN)

WHO's Information Network For Epidemics (EPI-WIN)

EPI-WIN seeks to give everyone access to timely, accurate, and easy-to-understand advice and information from trusted sources on public health events and outbreaks: currently the COVID-19 public health emergency.

WHO’s Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN) provides resources and regular updates, answering pertinent questions as epidemics unfold. It aims to de-bunk myths that emerge on social media and other sources and leverage existing networks within sectors to disseminate information.

In addition to providing guidance, updates and advice for the general public, EPI-WIN is initially targeting tailored information for healthcare, travel and tourism, business, food and agriculture sectors, with the goal of using their rapid channels to reach employees and other decision makers.

EPI-WIN is part of WHO’s Health Emergency Programme’s risk communication efforts and was established following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.

EPI-WIN is an amplification network, designed to provide tailored, timely information to specific sectors with the goal of using their rapid channels to reach employees and other decision makers. It is intended to be a two-way communication network that addresses key information needs while providing scientific evidence to disprove misinformation and fight ‘infodemics.’ Infodemics are an excessive amount of information about a problem, such as the new coronavirus COVID-19 that makes it difficult to identify a solution. Infodemics can spread of mis and disinformation and rumors during a health emergency, which can hamper an effective response and create confusion and distrust among people.

During emergencies demand for information is high, there are often many unknowns and people will seek information from sources and individuals and entities they trust. WHO will identify these trusted sources and engage them as amplifiers of accurate, timely information.  These may be individuals, umbrella organizations, representatives and employers who are engaged in disseminating EPI-WIN information to their networks. This concept of amplification means that accurate, tailored information from WHO is reaching people around the globe.

Source: https://www.who.int/teams/risk-communication