Health Misinformation, Institutional Trust, and Crisis Governance in Vulnerable Democracies

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between health misinformation, institutional trust, and crisis governance in vulnerable democracies. It argues that misinformation is not merely a communications nuisance; it is a governance threat that can weaken compliance, polarize public debate, and damage the legitimacy of health institutions during emergencies. The problem becomes especially acute where trust in government is already fragile and digital information flows outpace official response systems. Drawing on World Health Organization guidance, the article contends that effective crisis governance requires infodemic management capacities that are integrated into public health systems before emergencies arise. The most effective response combines rapid listening, credible messengers, tailored communication, digital and health literacy, and operational links between community feedback and policy adjustment. Trust is thus not a background condition for crisis response; it is one of its primary outputs and one of its central vulnerabilities.