Fides
A network of healthcare influencers
raising good content and fighting misinformation
As part of its efforts to fight misinformation on COVID-19 and increase vaccine acceptance globally, WHO joined forces with healthcare professionals active on social media to build an online network, named Fides.
Now expanding far wider than COVID-19, with Fides, we aim to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation on social media and support the public to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their health.
The Fides community has over 100 members, and a collective reach of 50+ million people across social media platforms.
The name Fides stems from the goddess of trust in Roman mythology, Fides. The name is also associated with reliability, loyalty, and good faith (bona fides).
Goals
There are two fundamental goals that underpin the Fides initiative:
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.
Key objectives
To help accomplish our goals, we have defined seven key objectives:
1. Build and grow an online network
Together we become more organised and have greater collective impact.
2. Facilitate a safe space
The network is provided with psychosocial support and protection.
3. One voice
Present opportunities for coordinated communication efforts.
4. Content support
Provide cleared WHO messaging, guidance, recommendations, talking points and visual assets.
5. Debunk false information
We work with fact-checkers and scientists to debunk myths and misinformation.
6. Tools and insights
We aim to be a step ahead of rumours and myths, and tailor better content.
7. Capacity building
Encourage our members to partake in various events and training throughout the year.
Impact
We believe impact should be measured by behaviour change and not views or impressions.
Contact us
Fides is part of the Digital Channels Team at the Department of Digital Health and Innovation, WHO.