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Navigating the Infodemic: A Perspective Study on Media Health Literacy in the MENA Region
Parisa Hajibadali1,2, Haidar Nadrian1, Vahid Pakpour3
1Faculty of Health, Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|January 2, 2026
Summary
Strengthening media health literacy (MHL) is vital for public health resilience, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. An integrated framework is proposed to combat misinformation and promote health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Sociology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical gaps in public health resilience due to widespread misinformation.
- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unique challenges including sociopolitical complexities, cultural factors, and digital divides that exacerbate health vulnerabilities.
- Limited institutional trust and health inequities further complicate public health efforts in the MENA region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role and importance of media health literacy (MHL) within the MENA region.
- To propose a strategic framework for enhancing MHL to address health vulnerabilities.
- To foster equitable access to reliable health information and promote public health resilience.
Main Methods:
- This perspective paper analyzes the current landscape of MHL in the MENA region.
- It proposes an integrated, four-pillar framework for advancing MHL.
- The framework emphasizes policy, collaboration, empowerment, and technological innovation.
Main Results:
- The analysis reveals that misinformation, inequities, and low institutional trust significantly impact health outcomes in the MENA region.
- The proposed framework offers a structured approach to enhance MHL.
- Key pillars include policy and advocacy, multi-sectoral collaboration, empowerment of vulnerable populations, and technology-driven innovation.
Conclusions:
- Advancing media health literacy is crucial for building trust and resilience in the MENA region.
- Implementing the proposed framework can lead to more informed decision-making and improved public health outcomes.
- Enhancing MHL is essential for promoting regional health equity and combating the adverse effects of health misinformation.
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