“The COVID-19 is a serious health crisis,” says Dr. Alex Gasasira, WHO Representative in Zimbabwe “And in a crisis, people get scared, they seek out information to stay safe. At the same time, a lot of rumours and half-truths get spread around. That is why we see false messages and videos circulating on social media, and unfounded theories about how the virus is transmitted. All of this misinformation can be deadly. We’re facing not only a health crisis, but potentially an information crisis.”

Like in any country, rumours, innuendoes, lies, and mistruths spread rapidly in Zimbabwe. Recently, for example, a press release reportedly from the Office of the President made the rounds on social media, announcing that the national lockdown on COVID-19 had been extended. Countless people had seen or heard the so-called news before the press release was revealed as a forgery.

As of 30 April, four people had died of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. The first COVID19 death in the country was a renowned television journalist, Zororo Makamba. His death shook the nation to act. “Thankfully, that number is low right now,” says Dr. Gasasira. “But it could rise fast, especially if misinformation spreads