The World Health Organisation (WHO) and TikTok have launched a year-long collaboration to deliver reliable, science-based health information to a global audience.
According to a statement published on the organisation’s website on Thursday, this partnership aims to enhance health literacy and promote positive health behaviours through engaging digital content.
“Social media platforms can significantly influence health-related behaviours,” noted Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist. “This collaboration represents an inflection point in how platforms can be socially responsible. By working with TikTok, we help people access credible information and engage in scientific discourse.”
With one in four young adults seeking news on social media, the initiative addresses the urgent need to counteract the misinformation prevalent in digital spaces.
TikTok, which boasts over 1 billion users, is leveraging its platform to increase awareness and accessibility of trustworthy health information.
Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with WHO’s Fides network to strengthen our commitment to reliable mental well-being content.”
The WHO’s Fides network, established in 2020, mobilizes over 800 health content creators to combat misinformation, reaching approximately 150 million people.
Dr. Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, noted that “Creators who understand their audience can bridge the gap between science and everyday life.”
Through this collaboration, the organisations will translate complex health topics into relatable video content, enhancing public understanding and engagement in health discussions across TikTok.
