The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is set to partner with Facebook and other social media apps on vaccine information.
The Director General of the organisation, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Bern.
“The World Health Organisation and Facebook have been in discussions for several months to ensure people can access authoritative information on vaccines and reduce the spread of inaccuracies.
“Vaccine misinformation is a major threat to global health that could reverse decades of progress made in tackling preventable diseases,” Ghebreyesus said.
Under the partnership Facebook will direct millions of its users to WHO’s Accurate and Reliable Vaccine Information in several languages to ensure that vital health messages reach people who need them the most.
According to him, major digital organisations have a responsibility to their users to ensure that they can access facts about vaccines and health.
“It would be great to see social and search platforms come together to leverage their combined reach.
“We want digital actors doing more to make it known around the world that #VaccinesWork.
“We want innovation that supports healthy behaviours to save lives and protect the vulnerable,” the WHO chief said.
While stressing the role of governments, Ghebreyesus said that the online efforts must be matched by tangible steps by governments and the health sector to promote trust in vaccination and respond to the needs and concerns of parents.
(NAN)
