Final winner – Nianhua Liu 

Red Cross Society of China

CliMap: The Tool to Create Better Map for Climate Communication

Climate-related maps can be confusing, leading to misuse by climate deniers. In 2022, an IFAD internship revealed that audiences found official maps convincing but hard to understand, triggering a halo effect for misinformation. Pursuing a doctorate at TUM, the researcher used user experiments to identify map design improvements. Key findings emphasized clarity, self-explanatory content, neutral headlines, and credible sources. They developed CliMap, a tool aiding two user groups: social media publishers, who receive AI-assisted headline and design suggestions, and general audiences, who can verify post credibility. Tested through “Mapathons,” CliMap-produced maps showed higher credibility and broad potential for adoption.

Distinguished finalist – Nalukwago Naswirh 

Uganda Red Cross

Herharvest Hub Project

The Herharvest Hub Project empowers women and youth through education on seed sovereignty and GMOs, promoting sustainable agriculture to tackle food security and climate challenges. Using digital tools, it combats MDH and supports rural communities in adopting resilient, diverse seed practices.

Final winner – Olivier Iradukunda 

Burundi Red Cross

Young News Detectives/JEUNES DÉTECTIVES DE L’INFO

Disinformation poses a growing threat in Burundi, fueling social mistrust, political manipulation, and citizen disorientation. To address this issue, our “Young News Detectives” project aims to create a national network of young people trained in identifying, analyzing, and correcting false information.

Distinguished finalist – Bernard Natukunda 

Uganda Red Cross

Debunking misinformation and disinformation about humanitarian activities like blood donation in Kyangwali refugee camp to save lives

This project aims to address MDH surrounding blood donation at Kyangwali refugee camp in Uganda, where language barriers and harmful myths discourage participation. By using free AI-powered platforms to translate and communicate accurate information in diverse local languages, the initiative seeks to increase blood donations and support life-saving humanitarian efforts.

Distinguished finalist – Hammam Ahmed Mohammed Mohammed Al-Dukhla 

Yemen Red Crescent

Digital shield to combat misleading health information in Yemen

This project addresses health MDH in Yemen by developing an AI-powered digital system that includes a smart chatbot on WhatsApp and Telegram, a social media monitoring dashboard, and a health news verification center. In partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Yemeni Red Crescent, it aims to boost public trust, improve health awareness, and reduce harmful rumors.

Special Prize – Mosley Varpit 

Papua New Guinea Red Cross

Veritas

VERITAS is a multi-functional platform designed to combat MDH in Papua New Guinea, where linguistic diversity, low literacy, and limited internet access pose major challenges. By combining AI-powered detection, voice-based interfaces, community-led fact-checking and offline functionality, VERITAS aims to support accurate, rapid communication during crises and strengthen humanitarian response.

Honourable Mentions

• Midina Elema (Kenya Red Cross Society)
• Suubi Brian (Uganda Red Cross Society)
• Christine Muriuki (Kenya Red Cross Society)
• José Antonio Scioli (Argentine Red Cross)
• Phoebe Ngoo (Kenya Red Cross Society)

Thank You

We deeply appreciate your interest and passion for the MDH Challenge. Your ideas make an impact. Your contributions and MDH stories will inform the World Disasters Report on Misinformation, Disinformation and Harmful Information.

This is just the beginning.