The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global movement bringing together more than 240 organizations to strengthen public trust in science and promote the use of scientific evidence in improving health outcomes.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Together for Science and Health,’ was launched on World Science Day for Peace and Development, with participation from scientists, policymakers, institutions and leaders across different sectors.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading the initiative, which seeks to address declining confidence in scientific information amid rapid technological advancements and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Dr Tedros said science had played a critical role in improving public health through vaccines, medicines, disease prevention and responses to disease outbreaks.
He said the movement would bring governments, institutions and other stakeholders together to promote evidence-based decision-making, innovation, and public confidence in science.
The initiative will focus on three priority areas: strengthening links between science and society, increasing the use of scientific evidence in health policymaking, and improving how scientific information is communicated to the public.
Participating organizations are expected to share resources, experiences and effective approaches while developing partnerships to ensure scientific advances translate into better health outcomes.
WHO Chief Scientist and Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, Dr Sylvie Briand, said building public trust in science required collective efforts from governments, institutions and communities.
She said the movement would provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, rather than polarization, while encouraging wider recognition of science as a shared resource for building healthier and more resilient societies.
The WHO noted that scientific advances had contributed to disease detection, prevention, development of new treatments, outbreak response and improvements in healthcare delivery.
However, rapid technological changes and artificial intelligence are transforming how people access and interpret health information, creating a need for stronger engagement between scientific institutions and the public.
The organization has invited institutions worldwide to join the movement and contribute their expertise and networks towards strengthening public confidence in scientific evidence.
The launch was marked by 12 events across different countries and regions and was associated with the Paris Peace Forum, which promotes international cooperation on global challenges.
Kenya is explicitly linked to the movement through the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region (AFRO), which is one of the key organizing regional bodies leading the launch of the initiative.
By Wangari Ndirangu
