The communication of science, and health policy in particular, to the public is a major policy issue. Examples in diverse settings such as the MMR crisis in the UK, or messaging on the safety of vaccination in the developing world, demonstrate that the dissemination of accurate information on health policy matters is critical to improving population health and well-being. As well as public health messages, governments and health system leaders need to communicate the rationale and need for innovation and change in healthcare delivery models in a dynamic and fast-changing political, social and media environment.

This Forum will examine the role of mass media and social media in societal debate on issues of health policy, and also consider the science of rumors with reference to health and healthcare.