The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new global initiative called ‘Together for Science and Health’, bringing together scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals and organisations to strengthen public trust in science and improve health outcomes worldwide.
Officially launched on 10 November 2026, the movement aims to make scientific knowledge more accessible, encourage evidence-based decision-making and ensure that scientific progress benefits people across all communities.
The initiative brings together more than 240 organisations under a shared commitment to strengthen trust in science and use its potential to address global health challenges.
WHO’s New Movement Focuses on Trust in Science
At a time when misinformation, rapid technological developments and changing public attitudes are influencing how people access health information, WHO believes stronger cooperation between science and society is essential.
The ‘Together for Science and Health’ movement aims to create better connections between researchers, governments, healthcare institutions and communities. Its broader vision is to ensure that scientific discoveries translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
The global launch was led by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and French President Emmanuel Macron. The launch coincided with World Science Day for Peace and Development, with 12 events organised across different countries and regions.
Dr Tedros highlighted the importance of science in improving human health, pointing to the role of vaccines, medicines, disease prevention and outbreak response in helping people live longer and healthier lives.
Three Key Priorities of the WHO Initiative
The new WHO movement is built around three major areas of collaboration designed to strengthen the relationship between science and public health.
- Bringing Science and Society Closer Together
The first priority is to strengthen communication and cooperation between scientists and communities. The aim is to ensure that scientific research reflects real-world needs and that people have opportunities to understand and benefit from scientific developments.
- Promoting Science-Based Health Policies
The second focus is encouraging policymakers and governments to use reliable scientific evidence when making decisions related to healthcare and public health.
WHO wants scientific research, accurate data and community experiences to play a stronger role in shaping effective and inclusive health policies.
- Improving Science Communication
The third priority is making scientific and health information easier for the public to understand. This also includes addressing misinformation and disinformation that can create confusion about health-related issues.
By improving communication, the initiative hopes to build greater public confidence in scientific evidence.
Why Is This Global Movement Important?
Science plays a significant role in almost every aspect of modern healthcare. From developing vaccines and medicines to identifying diseases and responding to health emergencies, scientific research has helped transform healthcare systems around the world.
However, scientific discoveries alone are not enough. People also need access to reliable information and the opportunity to understand how scientific developments affect their health and daily lives.
The growing influence of digital platforms and artificial intelligence has made the way health information is shared and understood increasingly important.
Through this movement, WHO aims to encourage responsible communication, stronger partnerships and greater public engagement with science.
WHO Invites Organisations Worldwide to Join
WHO is also encouraging organisations and institutions across the world to become part of the movement. Participation is open to entities whose objectives and activities align with its vision and values.
Interested organisations can contribute their expertise, networks, resources and practical experience to support one or more of the movement’s three priorities.
The initiative is designed to create opportunities for collaboration rather than operate as a standalone campaign. Participating organisations can share knowledge, exchange effective practices and work together to strengthen trust in science.
The Road Ahead
The launch of ‘Together for Science and Health’ marks another step in WHO’s efforts to promote science as a foundation for better public health and development.
By connecting researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals and communities, the organisation hopes to create a stronger global environment where scientific evidence is trusted, understood and used effectively.
The goal is clear: to ensure that science serves society and contributes to healthier, fairer and more resilient communities worldwide.
Source: WHO News
