The World Health Organisation and a platform for short-form mobile videos, TikTok have announced a year-long collaboration aimed at disseminating reliable, science-based health information to users worldwide.
WHO in a release on its official website, obtained by PUNCH Healthwise, noted that this partnership is to utilise digital platforms to enhance health literacy and foster positive health behaviours in an increasingly online world.
While quoting that one in four young adults actively seek news content on social media platforms, including TikTok, the global health body noted that the new collaboration would help address the proliferation of misinformation on these channels which is becoming a pressing concern.
The statement revealed that the collaboration would promote evidence-based content and encourage constructive health discussions.
The statement quoted the WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Jeremy Farrar to have emphasised the potential of this partnership.
“This collaboration can prove to be an inflexion point in how platforms can be more socially responsible. The intersection of health and technology presents an opportunity to reach people of all ages, where they are when they want to access.
“By working with TikTok and others, we are helping people access credible information and engage in scientific discourse that collectively helps shape a healthier future for all,” Farrar noted.
TikTok, with its vast global community of over 1 billion users, seeks to enhance health awareness and improve access to trustworthy information.
The platform plans to leverage its technology and creator community to break down stigmas, share impactful narratives, and support users’ well-being.
TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “We are delighted to collaborate with the WHO’s Fides network to bring engaging and authoritative mental well-being content to our community.”
The WHO’s Fides network, established in 2020, mobilises health content creators to counter misinformation and elevate evidence-based messaging.
With over 800 creators reaching 150 million people, Fides is well-positioned to enhance communication around health topics.
The WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, Dr. Alain Labrique, highlighted the unique role influencers play in bridging the gap between science and daily life.
“Creators who understand their audience’s needs have a unique opportunity to deliver evidence-based information, ensuring health conversations on platforms like TikTok are both impactful and informed,” he noted.
The collaboration will focus on various health topics, translating complex scientific information into relatable and digestible video content.
TikTok’s creator training programmes will provide additional support to influencers in delivering credible health information.
