We met with our mukhtars at TED University ‘for healthy neighborhoods’

“CancerDisinfo is an independent media and community initiative.” When we introduce ourselves this way, almost everyone has a general understanding of what “independent media” means. However, the question of how a media outlet can simultaneously be a ‘community’ often remains unanswered.

We now have a wonderful answer to this question: the “Knowledge, Trust, and Digital Tools for a Healthy Neighborhood” workshop, which we held in collaboration with our mukhtars hosted by TED University.

At CancerDisinfo, we believe that health literacy is about more than just accessing accurate information; it is built through trust, active listening, and community solidarity. With this vision in mind, we recently held a meeting that was as inspiring as it was educational.

We came together with nearly 20 mukhtars hosted by TED University. 

What did we discuss, and what did we share?

Mukhtars are the most critical local actors whom neighborhood residents turn to first, trust, and share their concerns with. Throughout the workshop, we gave them the floor; we listened to the most common health-related questions, anxieties, and information needs they encounter in their communities. Together, we analyzed how health-related misinformation or incomplete information spreads at the local level and the kinds of risks it carries.

The interactive session of our workshop was highly dynamic. Rolling up our sleeves alongside the mukhtars, we conducted group work using real social media content. Through case studies and a hands-on simulation, we evaluated the channels through which a digital health claim can spread, who it might put at risk, and how mukhtars’ offices can serve as a safe haven during such moments.

We will continue to view health information through the lens of people’s daily lives.

For us, this workshop became a wonderful, on-the-ground reflection of CancerDisinfo’s community-oriented approach. We will continue to view health information through the lens of people’s daily lives, local needs, and relationships of trust. Supporting digital literacy and access to reliable information at the neighborhood level is of paramount importance to us.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to TED University for hosting this wonderful gathering, and to all the mukhtars whose experiences guided our work.