WhatsApp has become both a blessing and a curse during the COVI-19 outbreak, but now there’s a great (and simple) way to get coronavirus updates from the World Health Organisation using it.
While it’s a fantastic way to stay in touch, it has also become a virtually uncontrollable way for misinformation to spread uncorrected.
However, the World Health Organisation has partnered with WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe and informed.
It’s launched a messaging service will provide the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others.
It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations.
How to sign up
- Sign up via this link
The service can be accessed through a link that opens a conversation on WhatsApp. Alternatively, you can add +41 79 893 18 92 number to your contact, and chat with WHO.
- Type “hi” to activate the conversation
You’ll get a menu of options that can help answer questions about COVID-19.
“Getting up to date information about COVID-19 to local communities around the world is a critical piece of the international community’s efforts to stem the spread of the virus,” said Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Once you’ve signed up to the service, here’s what to expect from your coronavirus updates:
“Partnerships with private sector companies like WhatsApp will help get this vital, real time information from the World Health Organization and local health officials to billions of users around the globe.”
In a further bid to cut down on misinformation, The WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub provides simple, actionable guidance for health workers, educators, community leaders, nonprofits, local governments and local businesses that rely on WhatsApp to communicate.
The site also offers general tips and resources for users around the world to reduce the spread of rumors and connect with accurate health information.
