Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Health Promotion Perspectives 2228-6497 16 2 2026 08 21 From Media Literacy to Health Policy: Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding the Online Space from Sexual Health Misinformation: A Policy Brief 184 191 10.34172/hpp.45710 EN Sanam Borji-Navan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1198-8881 Leila Doshmangir https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5197-8437 Mojgan Mirghafourvand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8360-4309 Journal Article 10.34172/hpp.45710 2026 02 01 2026 06 08 Introduction: The digital space is the primary source of health information for peoples, yet it is saturated with sexual health misinformation. This infodemic poses a direct threat to public health. Current interventions are proving insufficient against this challenge, creating a need for innovative and comprehensive health policy. Methods: This policy brief was developed using the evidence-informed framework described by Lavis et al., following a four-step process: prioritization of the issue, problem identification, formulation of policy options, and identification of implementation considerations. High-level evidence was derived from an umbrella review evaluating digital intervention efficacy and from preliminary findings of a scoping review mapping educational gaps (currently under peer review). Results: The evidence synthesis reveals critical systemic deficits, primarily: an engagement gap, a content gap, and a trust deficit. Traditional interventions fail to compete with misinformation due to these structural limitations. To operationalize a secure digital ecosystem, this brief proposes five actionable policy options: (1) Establishing a Digital Health Innovation Fund; (2) Enforcing a Mandatory National e-Health Trust Certification; (3) Revising National Guidelines; (4) Institutionalizing a Specialized Governance Body; and (5) Implementing a National Digital Health Literacy Program. Conclusion: By operationalizing these evidence-based options, policymakers can transform the digital space from a source of risk into a reliable infrastructure for health promotion, serving as a replicable model for other nations facing similar challenges.