The Coordinator for Risk Communications at the Ghana Health Service, Joel Abekuliya, has announced the development of a new app aimed at addressing myths, misinformation, and disinformation related to vaccines.

Called the Cranky Uncle Vaccine App, he said it is designed to provide a sustainable solution to this pressing issue.

He said, "The idea is to have a sustainable way we could deal with misinformation and disinformation."

Abekuliya made the announcement in an interview on Ghanaweb TV's The Lowdown with host, Daniel Oduro.

He revealed that the app has already been deployed in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, marking a significant step in the fight against vaccine misinformation across the region.

Abekuliya explained that Cranky Uncle is a game that features two characters; a nurse who gives right information, and the cranky uncle, who is seen as "too known," acting as if he knows everything.

He added that the Cranky Uncle relies on hearsay, what he sees and personal experiences rather than facts, and he uses that to craft misinformation with the idea of misleading and confusing people with regards to vaccines.

Abekuliya confirmed that playing the game will help individuals dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines, which will eventually lead to better-informed decisions regarding vaccination.

He encouraged the public to download the app, which is available on both iOS and the Play Store.

"Most importantly we should try and download the Cranky Uncle game. It's available on iOS and Play Store, and then we should play and understand some of the tricks that people use to kind of misinform and disinform us about vaccines,” Abekuliya said.

Abekuliya further emphasised the importance of taking protective measures against COVID-19, particularly amidst a surge in cases in the country, while urging individuals to get vaccinated.

He said that people who have already taken the vaccine should ensure they go for a second booster.

He advised that "We should still take our protective measures seriously: wash your hands with soap under running water; we should still wear our nose masks because it gives a lot of protection not only for COVID but other diseases.

"And then we should try and go for the vaccines."


RAD/ ADG



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