By Destiny Obinna
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new global initiative, tagged: “Together for Science and Health”, bringing more than 240 organisations together to strengthen public trust in science and promote evidence-based approaches to health and development.
The movement, officially launched on World Science Day for Peace and Development, seeks to unite scientists, policymakers, government leaders and institutions across different sectors in advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring its benefits reach communities worldwide.
The launch, led by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and French President Emmanuel Macron, featured 12 events across countries and regions, with the Paris Peace Forum providing an important platform for international engagement.
Speaking at the launch, Tedros described science as one of humanity’s most valuable tools for improving health and extending life expectancy.
“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools, and has always been the engine of better health,” he said.
He noted that scientific advances had enabled people to live longer and healthier lives through vaccines, medicines, disease prevention and improved responses to outbreaks.
“Through the Together for Science and Health Movement, WHO and partners are working together to champion evidence, trust and innovation as the foundations of healthier societies,” he added.
The initiative will focus on three major priorities: strengthening connections between science and society, promoting the use of scientific evidence in health policymaking, and improving how scientific information is communicated and discussed.
Participating organisations are expected to share expertise, resources and successful approaches while developing practical partnerships to improve public confidence in scientific evidence.
WHO said the initiative comes at a time when rapid technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, are changing how people access, interpret and share health information.
The organisation stressed that stronger collaboration between scientific institutions and communities was necessary to ensure that technological progress translates into better health outcomes.
WHO Chief Scientist and Assistant Director-General a.i. for Health Systems, Access and Data, Dr Sylvie Briand, said building public confidence in science required collective responsibility rather than the efforts of individual institutions or governments.
“No institution, country or community can build and sustain trust alone,” she said.
Briand described the initiative as a platform for dialogue and cooperation rather than division, adding that scientific knowledge should be treated as a shared resource.
“The movement will bring a wide range of stakeholders together around the idea that science is a shared resource that can help us build healthier, fairer and more resilient societies,” she said.
The WHO maintained that scientific progress depends not only on research and innovation but also on public confidence and the willingness of communities to embrace evidence-based interventions.
With its launch, the organisation has invited institutions and organisations worldwide to join the movement, contribute their expertise and networks, and support efforts to ensure that trusted science delivers better health outcomes for everyone.
