WHO Africa HealthAlert WhatsApp Chatbot
Africa Region (47 countries), Africa
WHO Africa Region launched HealthAlert, a WhatsApp chatbot providing accurate COVID-19 information to combat misinformation spreading on the platform. Given that WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Africa (97% usage in Kenya, 96% in Nigeria and South Africa), the multilingual chatbot delivers verified health information on symptoms, prevention, vaccines, and treatment. The service helps counter dangerous myths about COVID-19 prevention/cures that spread rapidly through personal networks.
Behavior Goal
Counter COVID-19 misinformation, provide accurate health guidance, encourage protective behaviors and vaccination through trusted digital platform
Target Audiences
Methods & Approaches
Implementers & Partners
- WHO Africa Regional Office
- WhatsApp/Meta
Donors & Sponsors
- WHO
- Various Health Partners
Key Takeaways
- 1Leverages most popular messaging platform in Africa to reach users where they are
- 2Automated chatbot provides 24/7 instant access to verified information
- 3Counters misinformation spreading through encrypted personal networks
- 4Multilingual support increases accessibility across diverse populations
- 5Complements broader social media strategy including Facebook and Twitter