He noted that as the virus spread across the globe, “inaccurate and even dangerous messages proliferated wildly over social media, leaving people confused, misled and ill-advised.”

“The antidote lies in making sure that science-backed facts and health guidance circulate even faster, and reach people wherever they access information,” said the UN chief, adding this is even critical “as we work to build public confidence in the safety and efficacy of future COVID-19 vaccines.”