In these challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP Physician-Scientists Association has stepped up to deliver accurate and evidence-based data and to clarify misconceptions on COVID-19. Catering to laymen and the general public, an online platform is being used to extend the reach of these information.
On 9 April, we started the campaign COVID-19 MythConceptions, a series of infographics in both English and Filipino tackling common COVID-19-related misconceptions circulating since the pandemic began. The materials discussed current evidence on the use of high-dose Vitamin C and its effects on the immune system and prevention of COVID-19, inhalation of steam and gargling of warm salt water to kill the SARS-CoV-2, and spraying of alcohol and chlorine all over the body as an antiseptic procedure for COVID-19 prevention. All these were published in the organization’s social media accounts in Facebook (The Filipino Physician-Scientist), Twitter, and Instagram (@upcmpsa); and have reached thousands on all our platforms.
Aside from this, the organization collaborated with the GlobalShapersManilaHub under the World Economic forum and with St. Luke’s Molecular Medicine Society to form a science communication project which aims to make scientific articles on COVID-19 understandable to laymen.
We also participated in initiatives of other UP Manila organizations, namely the UP Manila College of Public Health Student Council and the UP Red Cross Youth, by supporting their donation drives to help provide PPEs and sanitation essentials to various hospitals in the country through sharing of publicity materials in all of our organization’s social media accounts. For more details, follow us on Facebook: The Filipino Physician Scientist, Twitter and Instagram: @upcmpsa.
