WHO launches global movement with 240 organizations to strengthen trust in science
It brings together scientists, policymakers, institutional leaders and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting public confidence in scientific evidence.
SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched Together for Science and Health, a global initiative bringing together more than 240 organizations to strengthen public trust in science and promote its use in improving health and development.
The initiative was officially launched on World Science Day for Peace and Development, with 12 events held across different countries and regions.
It brings together scientists, policymakers, institutional leaders and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting public confidence in scientific evidence.
The launch is also linked to the Paris Peace Forum, a French-led platform for international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading the initiative, which seeks to strengthen science’s role in public health decision-making.
“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools, and has always been the engine of better health,” said Dr Tedros.
He highlighted the contribution of vaccines, medicines, disease prevention and outbreak response to longer and healthier lives, noting that the initiative would promote evidence, trust and innovation.
Three priorities for collective action
Together for Science and Health will focus on three priorities: strengthening links between science and society, increasing the use of scientific evidence in health policymaking, and improving how scientific information is communicated and discussed.
Participating organizations will exchange resources, share effective approaches and develop practical partnerships to address barriers to public trust.
The initiative also seeks to ensure that scientific advances translate into health benefits across different communities.
Science underpins several areas of healthcare, including disease surveillance, diagnostics, drug development, outbreak preparedness and clinical care.
However, these advances depend partly on public confidence in scientific evidence and on health institutions’ ability to communicate research findings clearly.
WHO Chief Scientist and Assistant Director-General a.i. for Health Systems, Access and Data, Dr Sylvie Briand, said the initiative would provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.
She emphasized that governments, institutions and communities must work together to strengthen public confidence in science, describing scientific knowledge as a shared resource for building healthier and more resilient societies.
Addressing challenges in the digital information landscape
The initiative comes as rapid technological advances and artificial intelligence reshape how people access, interpret and share scientific and health information.
While digital platforms create opportunities to expand access to research, they also challenge efforts to communicate accurate information and address misinformation.
For the healthcare industry, stronger connections between science and society could support public engagement with vaccination programmes, disease prevention initiatives and new medical technologies.
Improved communication of scientific evidence may also help policymakers, healthcare providers and communities make informed decisions about health interventions.
WHO is inviting organizations and institutions worldwide to join Together for Science and Health, contribute their expertise and networks, and participate in collaborative efforts to strengthen public trust in science.
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