Trending Narrative Alerts
March 31, 2025
GAVI funding halt prompts debate about the need for global immunization
Global news outlets and social media users debated the role of international aid following reports that the U.S. plans to terminate funding for GAVI. News articles warned that the cuts will threaten millions of lives and lead to preventable disease outbreaks. Several social media users proposed herbal remedies and “natural immunity” as an alternative to vaccines, while others alleged that vaccines harm children and target black people for depopulation.
Geography: EAPR: Indonesia; WCAR: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria; ESAR: Malawi, Zambia; MENA: Algeria, Egypt; ROSA: Pakistan; Global (Other): Colombia, France, Japan, Namibia, Spain, United States
Themes: Conspiracy theories, Necessity, Safety and side effects
Risk Assessment: Medium
March 28, 2025
Podcast interview continues to fuel conspiracy theories about polio’s origin
False claims about the origin of polio continue to spread online following a viral March 26 podcast interview. Some posts repeat the conspiracy theory that polio was created in a lab and spread in Africa, while others promote the debunked myth that polio was renamed, not eradicated. One post shared an image claiming without evidence that polio is actually DDT, lead, and arsenic poisoning; undiagnosed syphilis; hand, foot, and mouth disease; and a variety of other diseases.
Geography: WCAR: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria; MENA: Egypt; ROSA: Pakistan, India; Global (Other): Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE; ESAR: South Africa
Themes: Conspiracy theories, Necessity
Risk Assessment: Medium
March 27, 2025
Social media posts share podcast interview with U.S. physician repeating debunked claims about polio
Several U.S.-based social media accounts, including one known for promoting anti-vaccine falsehoods, have shared a recent interview between a known conspiracy theorist podcaster and a U.S. physician. The physician repeats multiple unfounded claims about polio that have been repeatedly debunked, including that it is caused by the pesticide DDT, that poliovirus itself is “mostly harmless,” and suggesting that increased sanitation, not vaccines, led to polio’s decline. Some posts garnered significant engagement, with one receiving 2,000 comments and another accumulating 25 million views. While some comments echoed anti-vaccine claims and warned people against vaccines more generally, several criticized the podcaster and his anti-vaccine, so-called “junk science” claims.
Geography: EAPR: Indonesia; ESAR: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Madagascar; WCAR: Kenya, Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Liberia; MENA: Yemen; Global (Other): United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil
Themes: Safety and side effects, Effectiveness, Conspiracy theories, Necessity, Ingredients, Research and clinical trials
Risk Assessment: High
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Alert Categories
Alerts are categorized as high, medium, and low risk.
High risk
Narratives with widespread circulation across communities or countries, high engagement, exponential velocity, and a high potential to impact vaccination efforts.
Medium risk
Narratives circulating in priority countries that may impact vaccination decisions. Potential for further spread due to the tactics used or because of predicted velocity. May highlight legitimate questions and concerns, not just false claims.
Low risk
Narratives that are limited in reach, aren't impacting priority communities, or lack the qualities necessary for future spread. Helpful to know because these narratives may indicate information gaps, confusion, or concerns.
Polio Digital Messaging Guide: A Strategic Tool for Digital Engagement and SBC
A practical resource that bridges digital best practices with field-based health communication to equip teams with the knowledge and tools needed to protect children from polio and foster trust in vaccination programs.
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Top line Data
This charts below highlights data specific to polio outbreak countries over the past seven days, and is updated daily. Analysis includes data from the latest list of outbreak countries according to GPEI.
The charts below highlight data specific to polio endemic countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan) over the past seven days, and is updated daily.