The World Health Organization (WHO) has teamed up with TikTok for a year-long collaboration to improve health literacy, promote healthy behaviour, and address misinformation on social media.
TikTok, one of the most popular platforms among younger generations, has become a significant source of news and information. Recognizing this, WHO seeks to use the platform to disseminate accurate, evidence-based health information, countering the spread of misinformation that can influence health decisions, particularly among young adults.
A Focus on Social Responsibility
WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Jeremy Farrar, called the partnership a pivotal move toward social responsibility for platforms like TikTok. He emphasized that this collaboration would help provide users with credible health information, contributing to a healthier future.
Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach, reiterated the company’s dedication to promoting mental health and well-being and expressed excitement over working with WHO’s network of health influencers.
Support for Content Creators
As part of this partnership, TikTok will work with WHO’s Fides network—a group of health influencers launched in 2020—to reach more users with reliable health information. The platform will also offer training to influencers, helping them create engaging content that simplifies scientific information for their audience. The focus will be on key health topics, including mental health.
Dr. Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, highlighted the unique role that content creators play in bridging the gap between science and everyday life. WHO supports them in delivering evidence-based health messages.
Addressing Health Misinformation
Health misinformation on social media can have serious consequences, from rejecting vaccines to ignoring important health guidelines. WHO’s partnership with TikTok aims to curb the rapid spread of misinformation, empowering people with accurate information to make informed health decisions.
The collaboration seeks to promote trustworthy health sources and foster healthier behaviour and improve health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations.
