The World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with WhatsApp to offer people a direct messaging service about the coronavirus pandemic.
This easy-to-use messaging service has the potential to reach 2 billion people and enables WHO to get information directly into the hands of the people that need it.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO said on Twitter: “I am proud to announce that today we launched a new WHO Health Alert messaging service via WhatsApp.
This service will provide the latest news & information on Covid-19, including details on symptoms and how to protect yourself.
WhatsApp said on Twitter said that “it’s an honour to work with WHO to provide this simple service to get the latest information directly from the experts right on WhatsApp”.
“Share these tips and de-bunked rumours with your friends and family,” it said.
It’s an honor to work with @WHO to provide this simple service to get the latest information directly from the experts right on WhatsApp. Tap the link below to get started. Share these tips and de-bunked rumors with your friends and family 🙏 https://t.co/WWhbKccdAB pic.twitter.com/EYCuAliCk2
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) March 20, 2020
How does it work?
Add the bot to your contact list using the number +41 79 893 18 92 and then start a chat by typing “join”.
It will display a simple menu and you can navigate by typing in the relevant number corresponding to the information you want to receive regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
The service can be accessed through a link that opens a conversation on WhatsApp. Users can simply type “hi” to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about COVID-19.
The WHO @WhatsApp service can be accessed through a link that opens a conversation 👉https://t.co/NiHHv2gzhU
Users can simply type “hi” to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/1dc5HRcsh4
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 21, 2020
