30/01/2026
“MYTHS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES: WHAT WE OFTEN GET WRONG”
In my work and research, I have seen just how powerful myths and misconceptions can be in shaping health outcomes. From beliefs about nutrition and vaccines to misunderstandings about disease prevention, these myths can literally cost lives.
For example, a woman once delivered a beautiful baby girl but could not breastfeed immediately because of a traditional belief: it was thought that if the father had sucked the mother’s breasts during pregnancy, the child could die if
breastfed without a cleansing ritual, usually performed by the oldest woman in
the family, often a grandmother.
One thing I have learned is that knowledge alone isn’t enough. We need to engage communities, understand their perspectives, and address fears and
misinformation respectfully. Evidence-based guidance only works when people
trust it and see it reflected in their daily lives.
It’s also striking how quickly myths can spread sometimes faster than interventions especially in the age of social media. That’s why health communication, advocacy, and community engagement are just as critical as clinical interventions.
Breaking myths isn’t about dismissing people’s beliefs it’s about creating space for dialogue, sharing accurate information, and supporting healthy behaviors in
ways that make sense in people’s lives.
I am curious: what myths have you encountered in your work or community that have had a real impact on health outcomes? How have you approached addressing them?
Morris Kaumba BSc PH, MPH, PGDTM PhD Candidate.
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