How Are African Journalists Using Sign Language to Fight Health Misinformation?
In response to the surge in health misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, multimedia journalist Zainab Oyiza Sanni and freelance reporter Olakunle Mohammed founded News Verifier Africa, a fact-checking outlet. Recognizing the need for accessibility, they introduced the Kudi program in 2021, utilizing an animated character to deliver fact-checks in sign language.
Originally conceived as a social media page in May 2020, News Verifier Africa aimed to combat the wave of misinformation related to the pandemic. However, an interaction with friends in the deaf community revealed a gap in accessibility, prompting the creation of Kudi.
“An interaction with my friends in the deaf community who felt left out when I told them about the podcast and a radio drama my team was putting together to combat COVID-19 disinformation [inspired us],” said Sanni in an interview with the International Journalists’ Network (IJNET).
The Kudi team meticulously verifies information from platforms like Dubawa, PesaCheck, and Africa Check, ensuring accuracy in their fact-checks. Participating in ICFJ's LEAP innovation lab in 2022 allowed them to refine their approach and enhance the News Verifier Africa website with accessibility features, such as text-to-audio plugins and readability tools.
Engaging with over 600 members of the Abuja Association of the Deaf, News Verifier Africa has successfully created awareness about information disorders and media literacy. Positive responses from journalists and advocates, such as Hamzat Abaga from the Center for Inclusive Media and Education, highlight the project's significance in promoting inclusivity within Nigeria's media landscape.
“Misinformation is dangerous and those who suffer [from] it most are those who are disabled,” Abaga said. “By unraveling the truths behind spurious claims about health for persons with hearing impairments, the project is highly vital for promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s media climate.”
Disinformation in Nigeria has long been a prevalent issue, extending beyond the realm of COVID-19. Despite earnest attempts to combat the detrimental impact of fake news, particularly in the context of the COVID pandemic, research indicates the formidable challenge of dispelling misinformation once it gains traction, irrespective of contradicting evidence.
In Nigeria, comprehensive fact-check reports by the media and awareness campaigns led by health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the federal ministry of health, proved insufficient to curb the proliferation of misinformation circulating on social media platforms and other channels.
