A Health Literacy Workshop for Village Heads was held at TED University.
Tarih: Date -
A workshop titled “Knowledge, Trust, and Digital Tools for a Healthy Neighborhood,” aimed at strengthening health literacy and access to reliable information at the neighborhood level, was held at TED University. The event, attended by approximately 20 neighborhood heads (*muhtars*), was opened by the TED University Social Contribution and Sustainability Commission. The workshop was conducted by the CancerDisinfo team, a group dedicated to combating health-related misinformation and disinformation, enhancing health literacy, and supporting access to reliable information. Following the opening remarks, the neighborhood heads shared the health-related questions, needs, and information-related challenges they most frequently encounter in their neighborhoods. The workshop addressed the importance of health literacy, how health-related information spreads across digital platforms in Turkey, and the risks that incorrect or incomplete health information can pose to individuals and communities.
The CancerDisinfo team emphasized that health information affects not only individual decisions but also trust-based relationships, solidarity, and access to healthcare services at the neighborhood level. In this context, it was discussed that neighborhood heads (*muhtars*) serve as key local actors—acting not merely as administrative points of contact, but also as figures who listen to needs, strengthen trust, and guide residents toward accurate information. During the interactive segment of the event, the neighborhood heads engaged in group activities using actual social media content. The groups discussed how health-related misinformation spreads, whom it affects, and the potential harm it can cause. One of the workshop's key outcomes was the collaborative discussion among neighborhood heads regarding the roles they could adopt in this area. Participants evaluated the importance of better understanding residents' health information needs, actively listening to them, enhancing digital literacy, and directing them to reliable sources. The event, organized by CancerDisinfo, concluded with a discussion on the practical steps neighborhood heads could take to address the health information challenges their communities face.
