Fides
A network of healthcare influencers dedicated to raising good health content and fighting misinformation
In 2020, WHO joined forces with healthcare professionals active on social media to build an online network of trusted voices, named Fides.
Fides aims to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation, and empower the public to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their health. Social media creators who understand their audience's needs have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. This is where WHO can step in to support creators in delivering evidence-based information, ensuring that health conversations on digital platforms are both impactful and informed.
Fides reflects WHO's commitment to leveraging digital platforms to reach people globally to promote health literacy and healthy behaviours and actions in an increasingly digital world.
Fides goals
The Fides initiative is underpinned by two fundamental goals:
Raise good health content
Leverage WHO’s science-based health messages through rapid content development and sharing, as well as coordinated and focused communication.
Fight misinformation
Target topics, posts, people and channels who spread misinformation and work with social media companies to improve their content policies.
Fides mission
Fides' core mission, guided by its two fundamental goals, is to empower healthcare professionals worldwide to shape a healthier, more informed global community for the future.
Fides reach
With a community of over 800 members, reaching 150 million people globally across various digital platforms, Fides has shown that targeted, credible communication can make a significant difference.
Voices you can trust
“Creators who understand their audience's needs have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. This is where WHO can step in to support influencers in delivering evidence-based information, ensuring that health conversations on digital platforms are both impactful and informed.”
- Dr Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation
"The Fides network is the catalyst transforming isolated scientists and health experts into a powerful collective force, armed with shared knowledge and strategies to effectively combat the spread of health misinformation."
- Avisha NessAiver, Scientist & Engineer, Founder of Distilled Science, Fides Member
Contact us
Fides is part of the Digital Channels Team at the Department of Digital Health and Innovation, WHO.