WHO and TikTok collaborate to combat misinformation about health and well-being

---

Extract from the article: A one-year collaboration has been announced between the World Health Organization (WHO) and TikTok, the short-form mobile video platform, to provide reliable, science-based information on health. It demonstrates the WHO's commitment to using the many

---

A one-year collaboration has been announced between the World Health Organization (WHO) and TikTok, the short-form mobile video platform, to provide reliable, science-based information on health. It demonstrates the WHO's commitment to using the many digital communication platforms to reach more people around the world, improve health literacy and promote healthy behaviours in an increasingly digital world.

Social media can be important sources of information, influencing health behaviours and decisions. One in four young adults actively seeks information on social media, particularly on TikTok. Disinformation and misinformation are increasingly present on these digital channels. This new collaborative project between the WHO and TikTok aims to help address these challenges by promoting science-based content and encouraging positive dialogue about health.

«This collaboration can be a crucial turning point in the way platforms improve their social responsibility. The interface between health and technology allows people of all ages to interact with each other, anywhere, at any time they choose. By working with TikTok and others, we are helping people access reliable information and promoting scientific discourse, collectively, to help shape a healthier future for all»,  said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist.

Mobilising influencers to improve health knowledge

Tik Tok, a community of over one billion people worldwide, is using its platform and technology to raise health awareness and improve access to reliable information. By fighting stigma, sharing high-impact stories, providing resources for those in need and strengthening communities, TikTok aims to have a positive influence on people's wellbeing.

«We know that millions of people visit TikTok every day to share with others and build a community, in all areas of their lives, including wellbeing. Our aim is for them to be able to find reliable information on this important subject. That's why we're delighted to be working today with the Fides network of health influencers, created by the World Health Organization, to further strengthen this commitment by providing engaging and authoritative content on mental wellbeing», said Valiant Richey, Global Head of Awareness and Partnerships for Trust and Safety at TikTok.

The WHO Fides Network, launched in 2020, mobilises health content creators to combat misinformation and promote evidence-based content. With its community of more than 800 creators reaching 150 million people across various platforms, Fides can help make communication more targeted and credible to help people access better health information.

Dr Alain Labrique, Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation at the WHO, stressed the importance of this initiative: «Creators who understand the needs of their audience have a unique opportunity to make the link between science and everyday life. This is where WHO can act to help influencers provide scientifically sound information, ensuring that conversations about health on platforms like TikTok have impact and are based on reliable data. »

This collaboration will amplify efforts around a number of important health topics, by translating scientific information into relevant, easy-to-digest video content and providing increased support to influencers via TikTok's creator training programmes.

Source : WHO